Russia
- The “turkey drop”: A scammer pretends not to notice as he drops a roll of money in front of a pedestrian. Then one or more accomplices (sometimes dressed as police officers) approach, accusing the victim of trying to steal the money. They try to check the victim’s passport and then demand a fine.
- Staged vehicle accidents: Criminals pass foreign drivers on the Moscow Automobile Ring Road (MKAD) or larger city roads and gesture to get them to stop. A number of individuals get out and accuse the victim of hitting their car. To make the situation more believable, the suspects will brush some steel wool along the side of the car. They then demand an exorbitant amount as compensation.
Due to poor law enforcement and the proliferation of weapons, Russia suffers from a wide variety of crime. On the more extreme end, ongoing political conflicts in the North Caucasus region (which includes parts of Azerbaijan and Georgia) occasionally erupt into large-scale attacks on public places, such as metro stations. In Moscow ultra-right-wing factions target foreign ethnic minorities in racially motivated attacks.
The most common risks are robberies, assaults, and “express kidnappings,” in which attackers force a victim to withdraw money from multiple ATMs. Watch your drink in bars and nightclubs, where criminals often attempt to drug unsuspecting individuals. Also be aware that attackers may pose as taxi drivers or police officers.
Common Scams
India
A year after the Mumbai attacks, the terrorism threat remains high, especially in public places in major cities. In November 2008, senior executives from the Tata group, Ispat Industries, and Anglo-Dutch giant Unilever were among those caught up in the attack on the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai.
Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, can be a problem for foreign visitors. Watch for signs of financial con artists. For example, be wary of anyone who asks for a deposit to show sincerity or as a “down payment.”
Brazil
Many areas, particularly the tri-border region with Argentina and Paraguay, remain centres of organised crime and smuggling. In cities such as São Paulo, the main issue is mobile street gangs. Attackers often use weapons and a disproportionate amount of violence to accomplish petty crime. Criminals also target affluent business professionals in express kidnappings and “virtual kidnappings” (a criminal demands a ransom but doesn’t actually capture anyone). Foreigners should dress down and avoid flashing expensive jewellery, watches, cell phones, and cameras.
Mexico
The most immediate security issue in Mexico stems from the country’s role as a major corridor for drugs. As a result, organised crime and smuggling gangs act with virtual impunity in many regions.
In Mexico City, the most common crimes include armed robberies, express kidnappings, car thefts, carjackings, and credit card fraud. Criminals select victims based on an appearance of vulnerability, prosperity, or inattentiveness, so dress plainly and don’t flash your cash. Use ATMs inside banks or in other businesses, and withdraw money during daylight hours.
Avoid libre taxicabs, or the kind that you can hail on the street, as they’re often a front for express kidnappings. Sitio, or radio-dispatched, taxis are far safer, more reliable, and worth the added expense.
South Africa
South Africa’s rates of murder, rape, and car theft rank among the highest in the world. Be cautious after dark, because streets are often badly lit. Park in well-lit areas, and don’t stop to assist apparently distressed motorists.
If you’re visiting Johannesburg, be particularly careful in and around the airport and while driving away. There have been a number of incidents involving foreigners followed from O.R. Tambo International Airport to their destinations by car and then robbed at gunpoint. Other high-risk areas in Joburg include Berea, Hillbrow, and the Rotunda bus terminus in the Central Business District, where muggings are on the increase. Likewise, be vigilant at all times in Durban’s city centre and beachfront area. Large groups of armed criminals target banks, grocery stores, and other business establishments at public malls.
