Anyone casually familiar with Russia is aware of often reported police corruption. Even Russian media occasionally reported on it in the time between the fall of communism and the Putin era. Since Putin came to power, the Russian media has become monolithic, almost like in Soviet times. The difference between now and the Soviet era is the internet. As long as there are honest cops in Russia, a tiny number of them will speak out. The internet will give those few a platform to reach millions. So much for control of the media.

Maj. Alexey Dymovsky, a disgruntled officer from the southern port city of Novorossiisk, started the trend with two YouTube pleas in which he said his bosses forced him to falsely report that unsolved cases had been cracked.

He also said he divorced twice because his wives could not cope with his long hours and low pay.

“I am fighting for the truth,” he said, directly addressing Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. “I am a bit scared to address you and the whole country … but I can’t do it any other way.”

Dymovsky’s postings got 700,000 hits by Monday—the day when he was fired and threatened with a lawsuit for slander. However, the Interior Ministry ordered an investigation into his allegations, and Dymovsky’s example quickly found followers.

By Thursday night, three more YouTube pleas decried abuses, trumped-up convictions and corruption.

In two separate clips, ex-deputy prosecutor Grigory Chekalin and former police Maj. Mikhail Yevseyev claimed two innocent men were sentenced to life in prison for a 2005 arson in the northwestern city of Ukhta that killed 25. Yevseyev also alleged Ukhta police fabricated charges against local businessmen in return for bribes from their rivals. (Breitbart)

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Sales have been very good for the 10 years Ikea has been doing business in Russia. The company’s inexpensive furnishings designed for samll spaces are a perfect fit for the average flat dwelling Russian. With the success at retail, the compny has experienced horrendous problems with Russian bureaucracy and corruption that amounts ot a never ending shake down. Recently the company announced it would halt expansion in Russia if the complecxity of doing business in Russia cannot be simplified.

…..the Swedish retail giant has faced numerous obstacles to its growth from regional authorities and regulators, most recently in Samara. The company’s experience has served as a cautionary tale to others thinking of investing in Russia, although IKEA said it was heartened by improvements in recent years.

“We’re currently building a mall in Ufa, and we’re preparing for the construction of a shopping center in Mytishchi,” Kaufmann said. “We have design projects for outlets in Saratov and Voronezh ready.”

In June, Kaufmann said IKEA would halt all future investments in Russia after it was not allowed to open the Samara mall ­ almost two years after it was finished ­ because of bureaucratic barriers posed by local officials. (Johnsons Russia List)

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