The criminal underworld and the “thieves' world” are phenomena that cause serious harm to society. Some films, TV series, music, and social networks present the criminal underworld as “brave” and “just.” However, the reality is very different. Unfortunately, like other countries in the post-Soviet space, there has been and still is an interest in the “thieves' world” in Azerbaijan. The concepts of "thieves' ideas" and "thief-in-law" particularly attract the attention of some young people.
The concept of the “thieves' world” was formed in the early XX century, especially within the Soviet prison and camp system. This informal structure, which emerged in places of deprivation of liberty, gradually created a serious hierarchy and a system of unwritten laws. The goal was both to resist the state system and to supposedly create “order” among prisoners.
From time to time, Azerbaijanis have also been known among the "thieves-in-law" operating in the post-Soviet space. They primarily lived in Russia, and even now, there are reports of such individuals in the neighboring country.
What about Azerbaijan? Is there any "thief-in-law" currently operating in our country?
Former investigator of the Baku City Prosecutor's Office, detective writer Mushfig Abbasov told Modern.az that currently, there are no individuals operating under the name of the "thieves' world" or “thief” in Azerbaijan:
"In general, law enforcement agencies do not allow individuals known as “thieves-in-law” in Russia to enter Baku, and it is absolutely impossible for them to create any groupings within the country.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service operate with particular activity and principle. This is a commendable approach".
According to our interviewee, individuals who consider themselves part of the “thieves' world” do not comply with the rules accepted by the state; they supposedly have their own “laws,” and these “laws” can be bent in any direction.
"I know some individuals belonging to the "thieves' world"; I have had interactions with them at certain gatherings and chance meetings. The ideas these individuals express under the guise of “justice” are, in fact, solely about protecting their own interests".
M. Abbasov stated that "it would not be ethical to mention specific names" regarding the "thieves" with whom he had interacted.
He added that this world is gradually being eliminated globally:
"Currently, some of these individuals live in Russia, while others reside in Istanbul and Dubai. States have fundamentally resolved this issue, and these individuals effectively continue their existence as vagrants, unemployed people. These individuals try to get involved in various conversations, prove people wrong, extort money from others, and believe they are living a “brodyaga” (vagrant) life.
When the actions of such individuals become known to law enforcement agencies, serious measures are immediately taken, and this is unequivocally implemented".
The former investigator stated that there are also unemployed and idle people in Azerbaijan who sympathize with representatives of the "thieves' world" living in Russia, and they try to involve these individuals in processes by calling them under the pretext of “resolving” some dispute.
"These individuals also act as if they are carrying out the instructions of some “big brother.” All of this no longer poses a threat to society, and over time, these issues will be completely eliminated".
