An unfortunate reality in Russia is that police are often as bad as criminals when it comes to victimizing foreign tourists. In St. Petersburg, this extortion of foreigners became so bad in 2001 that it prompted the diplomatic community to unite in a consular corps that sent a pointed protest to the city’s governor and federal representative. This protest resulted in the formation of a committee of diplomats and city officials to seek solutions to police corruption. Robberies and violent crimes are not more common here than in other major world cities, but foreigners are often the targets because of their perceived wealth. And if foreigners report a crime, they are sometimes told that they must remain in the country until the criminal has been apprehended and the trial is held, meaning they could be stuck in the country for months.
