In the Soviet republics, unlike in other former socialist countries, a plethora of candidates—from disbanded Red Army soldiers to unemployed athletes—is clamoring to man the protection market. In addition, ethnic groups with a reputation for private justice acquired in the black market under the communist regime, as well as muscular former party members, stand to take the lead in supplying private protection.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 671