Steal in Europe

A survey conducted by the leading Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, about the cancellation of the visa regime with Russia showed that half of the residents of Finland spoke out against, fearing the growth of crime. But if the criminality of Russians in the world is judged by high -profile business and corruption of high -ranking Russian officials, then in neighboring Finland it is also ordinary theft in stores from Russia, especially in cities close to the border, where half of the Leningrad region is sent for purchases.

These days, the parking of hypermarkets is banned by cars with Russian numbers, intercity buses and passenger “gazelles”. In the trading halls in front of the cash desks, lines with trolleys filled with products are built, which, at first glance, are also littered with Russian stores. Make a choice in favor of Finnish goods makes quality. The same is the case in terms of drugs. The purchase activity of Russians brings the Finnish side a profit that has recently been somewhat reduced due to the economic decline and the rise in price of the euro that began in Russia.

But among compatriots, there are also unclean citizens, despite the fact that, in view of the traditional confidence in customers in Finland, the temptation to put something in the pocket is high. Yes, and a mild punishment in the form of a fine for the “forgetful” does not scare the goods. There are many who purposefully come to Germany and Scandinavian countries to engage in theft. For Finland, the case is aggravated by the fact that many Russians get to Europe on Finnish visas, and when detained they ask for asylum, and they are sent to the country that provided a visa in the Dublin Convention.

Once in a refugee camp, receiving food and a cash allowance there, people continue to steal such a variety while the migration service is considering their affairs. The reason to ask for asylum is unreasonable persecution by Russian law enforcement or criminal groups. Unfortunately, the criminal element prevails among the asylum of refuge from Russia. Thieves are trying to sell stolen goods in refugee camps for 10-50 percent of their store value, offer Russians who come to Finland, or send things to their homeland, receiving money for it. They will not give a transfer on the refugee card, so thieves cover the passport (are obliged to hand over the police), or someone from them from the Russians legally located in Finland receives money instead. They help in various matters: raising housing, finding a lawyer, smuggling. Thieves maintain contact with friends in Sweden, Norway, in Helsah (jarg.) And in other camps. In their appearance and manners there is nothing that would remind of belonging to a criminal environment.

Alex Zakharov is an Internet writer, author of the novel "Polonium". Located in Finland, expects from the authorities of this country an answer to a request for a political asylum