Russian criminals pardoned for fighting in Ukraine reported to have high levels of recidivism

The majority of former Wagnerites who reoffend avoid jail time and tend to receive suspended sentences, fines, or community service unless the crime resulted in someone’s death, according to Verstka.

There may be many further cases against pardoned criminals that have gone unnoticed, Verstka notes, as police reports often do not always mention if a defendant has fought in Ukraine or if a defendant has previous convictions.