Putting the Mafiya in Mafia Wars

Moscow is the latest expansion in Zynga’s Mafia Wars social network game and beginning with this article we will begin to dissect the expansion and learn everything that we can about it. We will learn a bit about the history of the competing factions along with an in depth look at the economy as well as the best, but perhaps not the easiest ways to progress through the expansion.

When venturing to new and exciting areas is it always best to learn a bit about the area and the major players who are vying for control before diving in. Today we will learn a bit about the Mafiya.

In Russia the terms Russkaya Mafiya, Krasnaya Mafiya, and Bravata are often translated as Mafiya. These three organized crime syndicates all originate in the old USSR and since its collapse in the fall of 1991 they have amassed considerable influence and a worldwide power base.

Organized crime has been part of Russian history since the time of Imperial Russia and the Tsars. During the early days they criminal aspect was made up of bandits and thieves known as Vory v Zakone or “Thieves in Law” (more on them later in this article series).

In the 1990’s during the fall of the Soviet Union the country was economically devastated and thus the criminal element flourished. KGB agents, war veterans, and others found themselves in high demand. They had knowledge in areas that proved very useful in criminal organizations.

In the late 90’s the now “westernized” criminal element was solidified by Semion Mogilevich into what we now know as the Mafiya. Gone was the code of honor that had been the foundation of Russian organized crime and tradition was set aside. The Russian Mafiya was all but a clone of its western counterpart, though a quite vicious clone it was.

Semion Mogilevich was a very powerful and dangerous man. In fact the FBI considered him the “Boss of all Bosses” controlling most of the Russian Mafiya syndicates world wide, and the most powerful crime boss in the world. More powerful even than those from the Sicilian, New York, Triad, and all other world wide gangs.

As criminal organizations go it would seem that the Russian Mafiya has its fingers in just about any criminal activity that one might imagine. Arms trafficking, blackmailing, bombings, charity fraud, computer hacking, identity theft, murder, extortion, and prostitution are but a few of these activities.

The Mafiya is made up of criminal elements from the KGB, Soviet Military, and many other areas of the former Soviet Union. The new Mafiya differs from its counterpart the Vory v Zakone in that it does not honor the old traditions and codes of honor and conduct for its members. The Mafiya is as cold blooded as they come and are much like its western counterparts.

Related posts:

1. The Rise of Vory V Zakone

2. Mafia Wars Moscow – Mafiya or Vory v Zakone?

3. Mafia Wars Bangkok – The Yakuza

4. All Aboard for Moscow

5. Moscow Mastery – The Ultimate Mafia Wars Moscow Guide