The Collective (Russian: Коллектив) is an alliance of numerous transnational American-based Russian crime syndicates[1]. It started as a partnership between Nikolai Kirikov and Kenny Petrovich in the early 2000s, and has since rapidly expanded in the United States and across the globe thanks to their associations with wealthy ex-Soviet states oligarchs.
Etymology
The name "Collective" refers to a former shell company in Bahamas tax haven, which was made by Kirikov, Petrovich, and Renat "Raymond" Bulgarin in 2001 to facilitate the illegal transactions between alliance's members.
History
Prior to The Collective, Russian organized crimes had played a major part within American underworld. For example, the Hove Beach neighborhood in Liberty City became a central of a Soviet syndicate led by Yevgeny Agapov during the 1970s and 1980s. Following Agapov's demise in 1986, multiple splinter factions competed as his rightful successor. The winner was not decided until the mid nineties, when a gang established by Kenny Petrovich in 1989 managed to overpower other warring gangs within the region.
2000s
2010s
2020s
In New Zealand, The Collective's headquarter is the mobile Apraskin Superyacht, often seen sailing around the Ureia Gulf.
Known Organizations
Kirikov Bratva
Kirikov Bratva is a Tequesta based mafia founded in Riviera around 1990s. It is currently the most powerful part of the Collective. Despite possessing less influence in the home country compared to Petrovich, the Kirikov boasts a wider international network through their extensive money laundering operation. Using property, entertainment, and luxury amenity investments in Vice City, the Kirikov has cleaned billions of dollars worth of wealth from hundreds of Eastern European figures.
The Kirikov also takes part in the international drug and arms trade route, building a bridge between the South and North America. In New Zealand, the organization heavily emphasizes its gunrunning venture to maximize the profit from the country's strict gun law.
Petrovich Bratva
Petrovich Bratva is a Liberty City-based bratva founded in Hove Beach in 1989. Widely believed to control a greater number of businesses and territories in America than other Collective members. Profiting from smuggling of stolen vehicles, drugs, and firearms.
Other Members
- "The Three"
A name given to three Vice City-based Russian-Israeli Jewish syndicates of common interest: Yakobovitch, Sharansky, and Levy. Specialized in illegal exchange of luxury goods such as golds, diamonds, and artworks. Directly connected to illegal mining operations in South America. - Lubarsky Syndicate
Minor Vice City-based human trafficking syndicate. Also operating Kirikov's high-class prostitution business. However, this very association has led to the Lubarskys being perceived as subservient to Kirikov rather than an equal partner.
Membership
Nikolai Kirikov
The secretive pakhan of his own bratva who exhibits megalomania. Placing powerful industrialists, capitalists, and corrupt politicians above his subordinates.
Konstantin "Kenny" Petrovich
_.
Vasily Petrenko
Regarded as "The Diplomat", Vasily held the unique position as the bratva's foreign minister before replacing Kevin's rank after his treacherous crime. A masterful negotiator, he matches Nikolai to suitable international contacts who share his vision.
Vladilen Strutinsky
Two spies.
Oleksandr Derevyanko
Head of Eden City operation.
Past Members
- Kiril "Kevin" Zverov (1990s-2017 ✝)
American-born Russian and former underboss. Fragile relationship with Nikolai due to his inability to speak Russian language and insistence to never leave the country. A vocal opposition of Nikolai's attatchment to oligarch associates. Executed in 2017 for conspiring a takeover attempt against Nikolai.
Notable Associates
Alexey Kolomov
CEO of Magiya.
Brandon McCallan
Brandon McCallan is an unofficial soldier of Kirikov and Petrovich Bratva. An Irishman who born and grew up in Steinway, Dukes, where he became an enforcer for the McReary Crime Family. McReary's sharp decline in 2008 prompted Brandon to be a hired gun for the Petrovich Bratva. After being exported to Vice City in 2017, he was brought by Kirikov to Eden City in 2022. Living amongst Eastern Europeans who rarely acknowledge him, Brandon is bitter of his own Ireland heritage and wishes he was a Russian-born man. He speaks in a terrible Slavic accent akin that is incomprehensible for native speakers.
Maria Vinogradova
Maria is a hitwoman and honeytrap-for-hire. Previously employed by Artemiy Yelagin, the CEO of Russian yacht company called Leviafan who Nikolai invited to supply his businesses in Vice City.
Past Associates
- Renat "Raymond" Bulgarin (2001-2008 ✝)
- Dimitri Rascalov (2008 ✝)
- Artemiy Yelagin (2017)
CEO of Leviafan.
Trivia
References
- ↑ "Russian mafia" is in fact not strictly Russian. It is more commonly made up of criminals of different origins, such as Ukrainian, Georgian, Estonian, and even Albanian.
| Contents from Light & Shadow |
|---|
| Characters & Factions: Thomas Kingston • Maria Vinogradova • Cesar Álvarez • Adegoke • Edgar Zuáznabar • Irving Belfort • Medalla Cartel • National Revenue Authority • The Collective (Nikolai Kirikov) • Tijs Bergling • Valerio Reyes |
| Stories & DLCs: Light After Dark • Fortunate Face |