Tikhoretsk Criminal Authority Sent to Strict-Regime Colony for Extortion

The Krasnodar Krai Court sentenced Igor Udovichenko, known in the criminal world as «Kramor». Since 2015, he has held the status of a «položenets», performing the functions of a «thief-in-law». Since then, he has carried out his «duties» in the Tikhoretsk District — managing the criminal environment there. Along with him, Sergey Shabalin and Eleonora Tonkikh were charged.

A «položenets» is, in thieves« jargon, a person appointed by a »thief-in-law« and authorized to make decisions in his absence and on his behalf.

Thus, in 2021, Udovichenko demanded payment from a local woman, threatening her and her family. The woman was frightened and transferred him 50,000 rubles (about $550 at current rates). Another victim gave him 65,000 rubles (about $715). According to the investigation, in this way «Kramor» «ensured the functioning of the criminal environment and financially supported »thieves-in-law«.»

In September 2021, Udovichenko, under threats, received 10,000 rubles (about $110) from a resident of Tikhoretsk, and his accomplice Shabalin received another 3,000 rubles (about $33). Tonkikh was an accomplice to the authority; with her help, he pressured residents and extorted money.

As a result, Udovichenko was found guilty on three counts: Part 1 of Article 163 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (Extortion), Point «a» of Part 2 of Article 163 (Extortion by a group of persons by prior conspiracy), and Article 210.1 (Occupying a highest position in the criminal hierarchy). He was sentenced to 11 years in a strict-regime colony with 1 year and 4 months of restricted freedom.

Shabalin and Tonkikh were found guilty of complicity in extortion by a group of persons. The former will go to a strict-regime colony for 2 years and 4 months. The woman received a 2-year suspended sentence with a probation period of the same duration, according to the United Press Service of the Regional Courts.