Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russian mafia bosses with close government connections grew immensely rich with the large-scale privatization of state-owned assets. In those chaotic post-Soviet years, the ones that enjoyed tremendous wealth started killing to preserve their riches and to guard their turf.
The graveyards in Russia’s most violent gangster zones have special areas reserved for fallen mobsters. Their final resting place is marked with showy marble tombstones, each one intricately engraved to depict the deceased in a variety of poses looking tough, or relaxed – whether they’re straddling expensive cars, enjoying fine wine or modeling their favorite leather vest.
The headstones can range from gaudy and extravagant to downright bizarre and tasteless. Check them out.
