Economic crimes rocket in 2002

The intensification of fighting economic crimes contributed to Russia's exclusion from the FATF list of countries neglecting money laundering, Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov stated at a meeting of the Ministry's board. According to him, in 2002, the state lost RUR50bn (about $1.57bn) due to economic crimes, which was one third more than in 2001.

As the senior official pointed out, fighting corruption intensified, too. Three thirds of bribe takers were criminally prosecuted. At the same time, some divisions only pretend to fight corruption, Gryzlov stressed. "Active corruption fighting must be executed at all levels of government," the Minister said.