The Kremlin Wars Revisited, Part 1: Searching for the Minister of Organized Crime

STRATFOR sources have indicated that there is a concerted effort under way to oust longtime Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. The Kremlin's two powerful political clans — currently at war with each other — are scrambling to fill the vacancy with one of their own. While the mayoralty of Moscow is an important position, part of its prestige comes from Luzhkov's alleged ties to the Moscow Mob, Russia's largest organized crime group. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin reportedly wants to make oversight of the Moscow Mob part of the duties of the mayor of Moscow, making that position even more powerful and adding to the potential for another frenzied battle between the Kremlin's clans. Editor's Note: This piece is part of STRATFOR's ongoing coverage of the latest developments in the power struggle within the Kremlin.