November 15 is the Day of Organized Crime Units: a history

Every year on November 15, Russia celebrates the professional holiday of employees of organized crime units. In 2025, this date falls on a Saturday. Read about how the history of this structure began, how it has changed over the decades, and how to congratulate those who serve in it in the Izvestia article.

Organized Crime Units Day – 2025: the history of the holiday

The holiday was established in Russia in connection with the signing of the order of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs dated November 15, 1988 on the creation of the Sixth Directorate specializing in combating organized crime. Until the middle of the 20th century, this work was carried out by the anti-banditry departments in the structure of the Main Police Directorate of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs. With the intensification of criminal activity in the 1970s and 1980s, it became obvious that this work required a specialized approach.

By the end of the 1980s, the economic downturn, the shortage of goods, and the growing criminal pressure on businesses and the population created the prerequisites for structural reforms. Therefore, on November 15, 1988, the so-called sixth departments appeared within the framework of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs, created to purposefully combat organized crime.

Initially, these units were few in number, but four years later, in 1992, their status was significantly strengthened. They were reorganized into the Main Directorate for Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. In parallel, 15 regional administrations, known as RUOPs, were created. The number of employees increased by 20 thousand people, and the direction itself received state support.

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Since the beginning of the 2000s, the department has been reformed several times. Significant changes occurred in 2008, when the Main Directorate for Countering Extremism of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (GUPE) was established, an independent structure operating in close coordination with regional and international organizations.

Traditions of the Day of creation of units for combating organized crime on November 15

A number of solemn events are taking place in Russia on November 15, aimed both at maintaining the morale of active employees and at preserving historical continuity.

On this day, the heads of departments traditionally deliver congratulatory speeches. Particularly distinguished employees are awarded with awards, certificates of honor and commendations. The awarding of new titles is often timed to coincide with the holiday.

Concerts, sports competitions, and meetings with veterans are organized in a number of regions. Commemorative actions, laying flowers at memorials, and minutes of silence in memory of colleagues who died in the line of duty are often held.

Such events emphasize not only the importance of the profession, but also its high social responsibility. The holiday becomes an occasion to remind society of who is at the forefront in the fight against the most dangerous forms of crime.

Who and how they congratulate on November 15th — best wishes

On November 15, congratulations are addressed not only to current employees of the GUPE of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but also to veterans of the service, teachers of specialized universities, and students of specialized fields. Izvestia has prepared several examples of how this can be done.:

"Congratulations on the Day of the creation of units to combat organized crime! Let your intuition and analytical mind always be one step ahead of any criminal schemes. We wish that victories without losses prevail in your service, and stability, respect and good health prevail in your life!"

"Happy professional holiday! Let every working day bring you closer to a new victory over evil, and every weekend to a well—deserved rest. Respect, recognition and inner peace! Happy the Day of the creation of units to combat organized crime!"

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"Congratulations on the Day of the units for Combating Organized Crime! Let crime never have a chance. We wish you no false starts in your operational work, and only reliable and honest allies in your personal life. Happy holidays, defenders of the law!"

"Congratulations on your professional holiday! Fortitude, precision of decisions and invisible support from above. May your service receive the respect it deserves, and your life receive the applause it deserves. Happy Organized Crime Units Day!"

"Thank you for your service! May your every day be protected as securely as you protect the peace of the country. Congratulations on your professional holiday!"

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