The Russian consulate on Friday rubbished the often-repeated claims about existence of Russian mafia in Goa [ Images ] and its investments in the state's lucrative tourism industry.
"There is nothing called Russian mafia. There are no gun-wielding people on the streets of Moscow [ Images ]. It's a wrong impression that Russian mafia exists and they are operating in
Goa," Alexey Novikov, Consul General of Russian Federation in Mumbai [ Images ], said. Novikov was in Panaji to meet Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar [ Images ].
The envoy said reports about existence of Russian mafia in the coastal state are 'absolute lie'. "There may be some bad people but you cannot term them as members of a mafia. There are bad people in every community," he said.
In past, apprehensions had been raised over increasing investment from Russia [ Images ] in the tourism industry. Fears were raised in certain quarters that people connected to Russian mafia were off-loading their investments in Goa, which attracts over half a million foreign tourists every year.
Novikov said the "mafia" existing in Goa comprised local gangs. "We hope that Parrikar will eliminate that mafia and make Goa a much better place for tourists," he said.
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