A mobile phone cover with a picture of Russian President Vladimir Putin which reads "Russian Mafia" is seen in this photo illustration taken in a hotel room in Kazan, Russia, August 5, 2015. He may be in charge of an economy in crisis, but if mobile phone covers and souvenir mugs are a barometer of popularity, Russian President Vladimir Putin need not fear for his political future. In fact, Moscow’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine last year has given the memorabilia makers even more material to glorify, sometimes wryly, a president whose image as a champion of Russian national interests in a hostile world is barely challenged in his own country. REUTERS/Stefan WermuthTHE IMAGES SHOULD ONLY BE USED TOGETHER WITH THE STORY - NO STAND-ALONE USES. PICTURE 7 OF 17 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE"SEARCH "WERMUTH PUTIN" FOR ALL PICTURES

Britain's Attorney General Dominic Grieve (L) gives his closing statement at the end of the Ukrainian Forum on Asset Recovery in London April 30, 2014. Organised by Britain and the United States and attended by representatives from 35 countries, the forum aimed at helping Ukraine's government recover money from President Viktor Yanukovich, who was toppled in February after months of street protests, and those close to him. Ukraine's chief prosecutor has accused Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. REUTERS/Carl Court/Pool (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS CRIME LAW)

Ukrainian Justice Minister Pavlo Petrenko gives his closing statement at the end of the Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery in London April 30, 2014. Organised by Britain and the United States and attended by representatives from 35 countries, the forum aimed at helping Ukraine's government recover money from President Viktor Yanukovich, who was toppled in February after months of street protests, and those close to him. Ukraine's chief prosecutor has accused Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. REUTERS/Carl Court/Pool (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS CRIME LAW)

Ukraine's Acting Prosecutor General Oleh Makhnitsky gives his closing statement at the end of the Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery in London April 30, 2014. Organised by Britain and the United States and attended by representatives from 35 countries, the forum aimed at helping Ukraine's government recover money from President Viktor Yanukovich, who was toppled in February after months of street protests, and those close to him. Ukraine's chief prosecutor has accused Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. REUTERS/Carl Court/Pool (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS CRIME LAW)

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder gives his closing statement at the end of the Ukraine Forum on Asset Recovery in London April 30, 2014. Organised by Britain and the United States and attended by representatives from 35 countries, the forum aimed at helping Ukraine's government recover money from President Viktor Yanukovich, who was toppled in February after months of street protests, and those close to him. Ukraine's chief prosecutor has accused Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. REUTERS/Carl Court/Pool (BRITAIN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS CRIME LAW)

Britain's Attorney General Dominic Grieve gives his closing statement at the end of the Ukrainian Forum on Asset Recovery in London April 30, 2014. Organised by Britain and the United States and attended by representatives from 35 countries, the forum aimed at helping Ukraine's government recover money from President Viktor Yanukovich, who was toppled in February after months of street protests, and those close to him. Ukraine's chief prosecutor has accused Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. REUTERS/Carl Court/Pool (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW BUSINESS POLITICS)

Ukraine's Acting Prosecutor General Oleh Makhnitsky listens to a translation during an interview with Reuters at a hotel in London, April 29, 2014. Ukraine's chief prosecutor Makhnitsky has accused Viktor Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. To match Interview UKRAINE-CRISIS/YANUKOVICH/ Picture taken April 29, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Ukraine's Acting Prosecutor General Oleh Makhnitsky listens to a translation during an interview with Reuters at a hotel in London, April 29, 2014. Ukraine's chief prosecutor Makhnitsky has accused Viktor Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. To match Interview UKRAINE-CRISIS/YANUKOVICH/ Picture taken April 29, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Ukraine's Acting Prosecutor General Oleh Makhnitsky listens to a translation during an interview with Reuters at a hotel in London, April 29, 2014. Ukraine's chief prosecutor Makhnitsky has accused Viktor Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. To match Interview UKRAINE-CRISIS/YANUKOVICH/ Picture taken April 29, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

Ukraine's Acting Prosecutor General Oleh Makhnitsky speaks at the Ukrainian forum on asset recovery in London, April 29, 2014. Ukraine's chief prosecutor Makhnitsky has accused Viktor Yanukovich of heading a mafia-style syndicate whose crimes cost the former Soviet republic up to $100 billion and said some of the stolen money was now being used to fund Russian-backed separatists. To match Interview UKRAINE-CRISIS/YANUKOVICH/ Picture taken April 29, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Winning (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW POLITICS)

The entrance to St George's Hill private estate is seen near Weybridge, Surrey November 28, 2012. A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW)

The entrance to St George's Hill private estate is seen near Weybridge, Surrey November 28, 2012. A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW)

The entrance to St George's Hill private estate is seen near Weybridge, Surrey November 28, 2012. A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW)

A security vehicle is seen at the entrance to St George's Hill private estate near Weybridge, Surrey November 28, 2012. A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW)

Granville Road on the St George's Hill private estate, where Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichnyy collapsed on November 10, is seen near Weybridge in Surrey November 28, 2012. A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW)

Granville Road on the St George's Hill private estate, where Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichnyy collapsed on November 10, is seen near Weybridge in Surrey November 28, 2012. A Russian businessman helping Swiss prosecutors uncover a powerful fraud syndicate has died in mysterious circumstances outside his mansion in Britain, in a chilling twist to a Russian mafia scandal that has strained Moscow's ties with the West. REUTERS/Olivia Harris (BRITAIN - Tags: CRIME LAW)

People attend a rally in Bolotnaya square to protest against violations at the parliamentary elections in Moscow December 10, 2011. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of cities across Russia on Saturday to demand an end to Vladimir Putin's rule and complain about alleged election fraud in the biggest show of defiance since he took power more than a decade ago. The banner reads "Mafia stole (a Russian swear word for the verb to steal) our votes". REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS CIVIL UNREST)

A mourner stands near the grave of Russian mafia godfather Vyacheslav Ivankov, known as Yaponchik or Little Japanese, at Vagankovskoye cemetery in Moscow October 13, 2009. Ivankov died in hospital aged 69 on October 9 after he was severely wounded in the stomach on July 28. REUTERS/Mikhail Voskresensky (RUSSIA CRIME LAW OBITUARY)

Russian Jurij Salikov (C) arrives at Palma's court accompanied by police officers during an operation against Russian mafia on the Spanish island of Mallorca June 14, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Judge Baltasar Garzon (R) arrives at Palma's court during an operation against Russian mafia on the Spanish island of Mallorca June 14, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Judge Baltasar Garzon arrives at Palma's court during an operation against Russian mafia on the Spanish island of Mallorca June 14, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Russian Gennadi Petrov (L) arrives at Palma's court accompanied by police officers during an operation against Russian mafia on the Spanish island of Mallorca June 14, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Russian Gennadi Petrov (L) arrives at Palma's court accompanied by police officers during an operation against Russian mafia on the Spanish island of Mallorca June 14, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

A policeman places an identification paper in a car confiscated during an operation against the Russian mafia in Marbella, as it arrives at a police station in Malaga, June 13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN)

A policewoman carries a confiscated computer, after an operation against the Russian mafia in Marbella, at a police station in Malaga, June 13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. The man on the right is a police officer. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN)

A policeman walks past a car confiscated after an operation against the Russian mafia in Marbella, as it arrives at a police station in Malaga, June 13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN)

A masked policeman controls the area during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia, in the Spanish island of Mallorca June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Masked policemen control the area during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia, in the Spanish island of Mallorca June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

A suspect (R) is detained by Spanish police during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia, in the Spanish island of Mallorca June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Masked policemen stands near confiscated cars during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia, in the Spanish island of Mallorca June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

A masked policeman gestures during an operation against the Russian mafia in Calvia June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Masked policemen put boxes into a car during an operation against the Russian mafia in Calvia, on the Spanish island of Mallorca June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

A masked policeman looks on during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

A masked policeman inspects a house during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

A masked policeman controls the area during an operation against Russian mafia in Calvia June13, 2008. Spanish police have launched a nationwide operation against money laundering by a Russian criminal organisation, court sources said on Friday. REUTERS/Dani Cardona (SPAIN)

Actor Viggo Mortensen (L) and director David Cronenberg arrive to a photocall to promote "Eastern Promises", a feature film about the Russian mafia in London, on the first day of the San Sebastian Film Festival September 20 2007. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN)

Actor Viggo Mortensen talks to a journalist recording a video after a news conference to promote "Eastern Promises", a feature film about the Russian mafia in London, on the first day of the San Sebastian Film Festival September 20 2007. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN)

Actor Viggo Mortensen (L) and director David Cronenberg pose during a photocall to promote "Eastern Promises", a feature film about the Russian mafia in London, on the first day of the San Sebastian Film Festival September 20 2007. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN)

Actor Viggo Mortensen (L) and director David Cronenberg smile during a news conference to promote their film "Eastern Promises" about the Russian mafia in London on the first day of the San Sebastian Film Festival September 20 2007. REUTERS/Vincent West (SPAIN)

The most notorious gang leader of the 1960's French underworld, Jacky Imbert (L), known as 'Mad Jacky', is hugged by his wife Christine (R) as he leaves Luynes prison near Marseille, after he was released by the Aix en Provence's court of justice, April 8, 2005. Imbert, 75, was found guilty of planning to open an underground cigarette factory near Marseille with the Russian mafia and was emprisoned in October 2003. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier JPP/ABP

The most notorious gang leader of the 1960's French underworld, Jacky Imbert, known as 'Mad Jacky', leaves Luynes prison near Marseille, after he was released by the Aix en Provence's court of justice, April 8, 2005. Imbert, 75, was convicted of planning with the Russian mafia to open an underground cigarette factory near Marseille and was emprisoned in October 2003. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier JPP/ABP

language documents found alongside the partially completed vessel led authorities to conclude that "the Russian Mafia or Russian technicians" were involved in its construction.

EA/RCS

language documents found alongside the partially completed vessel led authorities to conclude that "the Russian Mafia or Russian technicias" were involved in its construction. REUTERS/Stringer

EA/CM

The Police Chief Gen. Luis Ernesto Gilibert examines parts on a submarine believed to be connected to the transport of drugs, September 7, 2000. The Russian-designed sub, being built to smuggle drugs out of Colombia, was confiscated on Thursday on the outskirst of Bogota, authorities said. The submarine could have had the capacity to carry at least 150 metric tons of cocaine or heroin. A statement from the National Police said the 100-foot (30-metre) sub was seized in a raid on a warehouse in a working-class neighborhood 18 miles (30 km) west of the capital. General Gilibert said Russian-language documents found alongside the partially completed vessel led authorities to conclude that "the Russian Mafia or Russian technicians" were involved in its construction. REUTERS/Stringer

EA/RCS

Russian businessman Sergei Mikhailov speaks to the press after his arrival at Sheremetievo airport December 12. A Swiss court on Friday cleared 40-year-old Mikhailov, accused of heading a major Moscow mafia family - the Solntsevo gang, of charges that he belonged to a criminal organisation.

MF//ME

Russian businessman Sergei Mikhailov gestures as he speaks to the press after his arrival at Sheremetievo airport December 12. A Swiss court on Friday cleared Mikhailov, accused of heading a major Moscow mafia family, of charges that he belonged to a criminal organisation.

MF//ME

Russian businessman Sergei Mikhailov shows a victory sign after his arrival at Sheremetievo airport December 12. A Swiss court on Friday cleared Mikhailov, accused of heading a major Moscow mafia family, of charges that he belonged to a criminal organisation.

MF//ME

Policemen guard an armoured vehicle, allegedly carrying Russian mafia suspect Sergei Mikhailov, as it enters the Geneva courthouse at the start of his trial November 30. Mikhailov is accused of organised crime as well as having no right to be in Switzerland and buying property illegally. If convicted, he faces up to seven-and-a-half years in jail.

PVY/STS/KM

Belgian Justice Minister Stefaan De Clerck gestures during a news conference in Brussels on Belgium's first report on International organised crime, October 13. The report said International organised crime is alive and thriving in Belgium, citing among others Italian mafia, Russian and Turkish gangs, Chinese tryads and Colombian cartels.

BELGIUM CRIME

Russian police officers take notes near the body of a man at the scene of a bomb blast in central Moscow, January 17. The explosion had been caused by a radio-controlled device, according to preliminary findings. There was no immediate information on the target of the blast, but bombings by mafia style groups are a frequent occurrence in the new Russia's cut-throat business world.

Russian police officers take notes near the body of a man at the scene of a bomb blast in central Moscow, January 17. The explosion had been caused by a radio-controlled device, according to preliminary findings. There was no immediate information on the target of the blast, but bombings by mafia-style groups are a frequent occurrence in the new Russia's cut-throat business world.

RUSSIA

A team of masked officers from an anti-crime unit storm an apartment of members of a mafia gang from Dagestan in Moscow April 26. Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Skuratov said recently that the real crime rate in Russia is at least three times higher than official statistics.

RUSSIA CRIME

Alexandre Petrov, nick-named "Lenia the Fox", smiles as he leaves the courthouse, September 19th. Petrov, thought by Russian authorities to be the "godfather" of the Moscow mafia, is released from police custody where he was being held for making and using false documents

Alexandre Petrov, nick-named "Lenia the Fox", smiles as he leaves the courthouse, September 19th. Petrov, thought by Russian authorities to be the "godfather" of the Moscow mafia, is released from police custody where he was being held for making and using false documents