Russia Proposes Expanding Military Contracts for Convicted Citizens
Russia’s government has submitted a bill allowing more citizens with outstanding convictions, including for smuggling, gang activity, and nuclear material offenses, to sign military contracts during mobilization.
The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would expand the list of citizens with unexpunged or outstanding criminal convictions who are allowed to sign contracts with the Russian Armed Forces during a mobilization period. The document was published in the State Duma’s electronic database on July 17.
If adopted, the amendments would allow people convicted of smuggling strategically important goods and resources, as well as large-scale smuggling of cultural property, to enter contract service. The same opportunity would be extended to citizens convicted of illegally moving rare wild animals and aquatic biological resources listed in Russia’s Red Book across the border.
The bill also covers people convicted of smuggling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In addition, it would permit individuals with convictions for participation in a gang or criminal organization to sign military contracts.
The proposed legislation also includes citizens convicted of violating security requirements at fuel and energy facilities. The list further covers offenses involving the illegal acquisition, possession, or theft of nuclear materials and radioactive substances.