A client asked for a risk assessment of the current conditions in Moscow.  His daughter was traveling there for business, and he was concerned for her well-being.  CTC was able to provide him with both general information and the region-specific knowledge that enabled him to make an informed decision regarding the safety of his daughter.  

General Comments

   Moscow is similar to many other large, international cities in terms of crime and safety. In the US, it is comparable to New York City in the evening.

 Specific Points

   With the deterioration of the Russian economy, crime has increased dramatically. Pickpocketing, robberies, and assaults are very common.

   Violent crime, which used to be almost non-existent, is prevalent (in the last year, it has increased 120%.)

   Criminals do target foreigners.  In many cases, criminals will see a tourist paying for something "expensive" or who shows a large amount of cash when purchasing something, and will follow them - sometimes for several days -- until they have the opportunity to rob them.

   Groups of children often assault and rob tourists.  Americans are particular targets of these groups of children because they are less likely to think of children as criminals.

   Most crimes against tourists occur in the subway, trains, taxis, airports, bars, markets, tourist attractions, restaurants. anti hotel rooms.  (Note: In the past, some hotels were known "criminal hang outs."  Now, all the "nice" hotels are equally accessible to criminals. Although the hotels where tourists stay generally have some kind of security which may deter some criminals, it is not enough to guarantee safety.  Experienced criminals can gain access to the floors where rooms are located. and sometimes can gain access into individual rooms.)

   There also have been unexplained acts of terrorism (like the recent bombings) in Moscow. 

 Recommendations

   Overall, it probably is fine for her to go.  However, she should be extremely alert.  Because she is foreign, she is a female, and she is young, she will be more of a target for criminals.

   She should not go anywhere alone, and if possible, she should have someone walk her to her room at night.  Arrange for the hotel taxi service to drive her and pick her up.  Criminals are far less likely to target couples, and almost never target groups.

   She should not carry a purse or large amounts of money.  She should not wear jewelry.

   She probably will be most vulnerable in the airport.  Even if someone is meeting her at baggage claim, there will be a period of time when she is walking alone.  She should not carry anything that may look like a computer, because thieves target lap top computers.  She also should not carry expensive-looking luggage.  All luggage may be rummaged through by baggage handlers, but expensive luggage (leather, etc.) is a particular target.  It also will be a particular target of thieves inside the airport.  If at all possible, someone should walk with her from the point when she departs the airplane  If that is not possible, she should be on extreme alert for anyone acting strangely or who appears particularly interested in her.  She should not set down any of her bags even if they are beside her.