Factions and Brokers in the Russian Mafia: Investigating the Structure of the Thieves-in-Law

Abstract This paper investigates the internal structure of the fraternity of the vory-v-zakone—the high-ranking members of the Russian Mafia—using a co-signing network based on 50 signed edicts (progony) produced by the fraternity. We find that the vory are a multi-ethnic, polycentric association grouped into factions based on vertical patronage relationships; these factions are interconnected by key brokers that bridge between groupings. While this structure allows for effective collective action, it also points to possible fractures that can be exploited by authorities to weaken the fraternity. This research is the first quantitative network analysis of documents produced by a higher-level coordination body within a mafia and contributes to the literature on the emergence of coalitions and factions within organizations.