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Russia was once the great kleptocracy. Trump’s America is giving it a run for its money

Melanie La'Brooy Writer November 5, 2025 — 5.00am

A decade ago, when I was living in Moscow, my Russian teacher explained to me her standard procedure if ever she was pulled over by traffic police. She would swiftly take off any visible jewellery and hide it. Then she’d take out whatever cash was in her wallet, leaving only a 100 rouble note. That way, when the police requested a bribe in return for letting her off a fine (as they invariably did), she could show the meagre contents of her wallet. They’d grudgingly accept the 100 roubles (the equivalent of around $30 back then) and she’d be on her way.

Far from being outraged about this, my teacher wa

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