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NOTE: Several sections of this document were redacted by the
RCMP
This brings us to the issue of Russian hockey players who have left the former
Soviet Union (FSU) and entered the National Hockey League (NHL). There have
been reports regarding extortion of individual players[1]. (DELETED TEXT)
. These occurrences may subside, however, as East
European-based organized crime (EEOC) operating in North America finds it more
lucrative to lure and co-opt Russian NHL players. While it is not in a
position to wrestle for financial control of the NHL, Eastern European based
organized crime operating in North America, in imitation of its counterparts in
Russia, will attempt to use the public acceptance and enthusiasm for NHL
players to lend itself seeming legitimacy (DELETED TEXT)
While Russian hockey players in the NHL should not be branded as organized
crime associates, law enforcement needs to be mindful of the nature of the
relationship between organized crime and sports in Russia, and the ways in
which EEOC in North America may attempt to use Russian NHL players in order to
establish itself, either through its representatives or its business fronts, in
Canada. (DELETED TEXT)
Another connection between the NHL and Russian hockey organizations, yet to be
explored, relates to the lucrative transfer fees paid to Russian hockey clubs
by NHL teams eager to recruit Russian hockey players. Although this money was
supposedly earmarked for the ailing Russian hockey system, there is little
evidence of reinvestment in Russian hockey. The possibility is high that at
least a portion of this money has fallen into the hands of criminal
organizations in Russia.
(DELETED TEXT)
As these activites continue, EEOC will increasingly seek out North American
commercial structures and financial institutions in which to place its
illegally obtained proceeds. The use of Russian sports figures in North
America can facilitate not only the entry of EEOC figures into Canada, but also
the laundering of illegal proceeds and the furthering of EEOC commercial
interests and fronts.
[1] A fifteen-month U.S. Senate investigation to determine the influence of Russian
organized crime on former Soviet players in the NHL was conducted, including
interviews with over 100 NHL players, officials, owners, team members and
agents. The investigation stated that "a significant percentage" of Russian
NHL players from the FSU have been extorted, with an estimated one-third of the
players having some direct involvement.
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