Information regarding forcible recruitment by the Federal Security Bureau (FSB), additional to that found in RUS31942.E of 27 May 1999, is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. According to the Director of the Organized Russian and Eurasian Crime Unit at Keele University, who has published extensively on the topic of Russian security forces, there are credible reports of forcible recruitment, particularly of informants, by the FSB. The Director was unable to provide more detailed information within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Organized Russian and Eurasian Crime Unit, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK. 29 June 1999. Telephone interview with Executive Director.