Russian Mobsters Target NHL Players from Former Soviet Union

Reuter reports that Russian mobsters have been allegedly extorting protection money from a number of National Hockey League players who hail from the former Soviet Union. The extortion threatens and violence have left some players and their families shaken, and the matter has been acknowledged by the NHL. However, officials are reluctant to discuss the issue in detail, citing security concerns.

Key Takeaways:

• At least three former Soviet players have received extortion threats, with one player, Alexandre Alexeev, being physically assaulted by thugs in Kiev.
• Russian mobsters are reportedly targeting Russian, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian players in the NHL, with estimates suggesting there are as many as 4,000 criminal gangs operating in the former Soviet republics.
• Alexander Kasatonov, a former Soviet national team defenceman, claims that several players have been threatened, including Alexander Semak and Valeri Zelepukin of the New Jersey Devils, Darius Kasparaitis and Vladimir Malakhov of the New York Islanders, and Sergei Nemchinov of the New York Rangers.
• Pavel Bure, a 1992 rookie of the year, has denied reports that he has made two payments to Russian mobsters, while Alexei Zhitnik, a Ukrainian defenceman, has admitted to being threatened with violence.
• Los Angeles coach Barry Melrose has urged Alexei Zhitnik not to return to Kiev this summer, citing concerns over the player's safety.
• The NHL has acknowledged the reports of extortion threats and is investigating the matter, but officials are reluctant to discuss details.

Statistics:

• 4,000: Estimated number of criminal gangs operating in the former Soviet republics (Source: Reuter)
• $3 million: Annual salary of Russian NHL players such as Sergei Federov (Source: Reuter)
• 19: Age of Alexandre Alexeev at the time of the extortion threat (Source: Reuter)
• $10,000: Alleged amount of protection money demanded by Russian mobsters (Source: Kasparaitis)

Sources:

• Reuter
• Tacoma News Tribune
• Los Angeles Times
• Los Angeles Times
• New York New York