Thieves by Law

Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov is a successful Russian millionaire who got rich after 1987, when Gorbachev introduced perestroika. "How?" you may ask?

He is one of three Russian Mafiosos, who allowed director Gentelev a look-see into their world. Thieves By Law paints a fascinating tableau of men that would make Tony Soprano a wimp in comparison.

The film steers the viewer through the complex intrigues with archive footage, interviews, a lively soundtrack and information in voice-over. Personal histories are interwoven with the evolution of the Russian Mafia itself beginning in Stalin’s gulags and slowly transforming into an international organization. The Mafia and Code of Thieves have always directly correlated to the political struggles of the Soviet Union—reflecting society back to the government like a funhouse mirror. Throughout, the guiding principle is honor.

These men persevered with the ammunition of street smarts, savvy, and loyalty to their code, eventually transforming themselves to shrewd businessmen. Through unprecedented access, director Gentelev shows us what happens when a dark underbelly is flipped on its back: It slaps on some sunscreen, orders a Molotov cocktail, and soaks up those French Riviera rays….

“Is there anything the Russian Mafia can’t do?” After this film, you will probably say, “Nyet”.