U.S.-Russian Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty: Is There a Way To Control Russian Organized Crime?

This Comment analyzes U.S. and Russian bilateral cooperation in fighting organized crime and the difficulties associated with this fight. Part I of this Comment presents the historical development of Russian organized crime, its domestic effects, and its internationalization, particularly in the United States. Part I also highlights the Russian government\u27s legislative attempts to combat organized crime. Finally, Part I examines examples of international bilateral cooperation, such as that between Israel and the United States, which can be emulated by the Russian and U.S. authorities. Part II analyzes the existing Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement (“MLAA”) between the United States and the Russian Federation, and examines existing as well as potential methods of cooperation between the two governments in combating organized crime. Part II also analyzes the problems that thwart increased cooperation. Finally, Part III of this Comment argues that ratifying and putting into force a mutual legal assistance treaty (“MLAT”) between Russia and the United States will significantly affect the spread of Russian organized crime in the Russian Federation, the United States, and globally