Russia is currently experiencing a troubling rise in violent crime, largely due to the return of thousands of former inmates who served in military units sent to Ukraine. The fears that communities expressed about the mass recruitment of prisoners are becoming a painful reality.
Independent news sources assert that this influx of men, who were granted early release for their service at the frontlines, is changing the landscape of crime across the nation, leaving authorities struggling to keep up with the rising numbers.
The Growing Sense of Unease Across the Country
For years, the Kremlin has relied on its prison population to supplement its military forces, especially as casualties mount on the battlefield.
Estimates from Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service indicate that between 140,000 and 180,000 inmates have been drafted into combat, a figure that has increased amid escalating tensions in the region.
Although these numbers lack independent verification, many imprisoned individuals accepted the offer of clemency to escape the notoriously brutal conditions of Russian prisons, raising worried questions about the impact of their return on public safety.
These fears have now manifested into alarming statistics. The newspaper Mozhem Poznanie has obtained internal records from Russia’s Interior Ministry that highlight a notable increase in serious crimes since these mobilized inmates started reappearing in communities.
Crime Rates on the Rise
As per the data analyzed by Mozhem Poznanie, organized crime in Russia recorded 44,000 serious incidents from January to October 2025, marking a notable increase of 33.6% compared to the same period in 2024.
The Interior Ministry also reported that there were 332,251 “serious and particularly serious” offenses in the first six months of 2025. This marks the highest level in 15 years with a year-on-year increase of 10.4%.
Experts interviewed by independent outlets argue that these unsettling trends indicate a broader system that is struggling to reintegrate thousands of ex-fighter convicts, who return desensitized by their experiences in combat and grounded in survival instincts honed at the front.
Post-Service Violence
Further evidence supporting this alarming trend came from research conducted by the independent media outlet Verstka, which analyzed court documents in Russia. The review revealed that by October 2024, nearly 500 civilians had come under attack from former soldiers who served in Ukraine.
According to their findings, at least 242 individuals were killed while 227 others sustained severe injuries.
Notably, former inmates perpetrated these violent incidents more frequently than their counterparts from traditional military backgrounds. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that women constituted a disproportionately high percentage of the victims.
Similar concerns have also been echoed by outlets like Lawfare Media and Global Initiative.
Sources: Mozhem Poznanie, Verstka, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, Lawfare, Global Initiative
