As soon as normal inmates enter the mass population of the "zone" -- either a prison or a camp -- they realize that the thieves are in charge. They copy both their tattoos and mannerisms in an attempt to elevate their status.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
The Moscow Times: Russian criminals display their prison tattoos (PHOTOS)
Members of Russian far right ultranationalist \"Slav Union\" group stand in a forest outside Moscow on March 10, 2008, during a squad meeting. AFP PHOTO/ VASSILY MAXIMOV
