Legislative Proposal on Looting Off the Battlefield: Expanding the Criminal Code
A prominent member of the State Duma, the first deputy chairman of the Just Russia – For Truth faction, has begun drafting a bill aimed at widening the criminal code’s scope on looting beyond wartime and declared emergencies. The initiative surfaced in correspondence to the Chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation and was cited in a statement from the deputy.
The proposed text would define looting as the unlawful seizure of another person’s property under conditions of martial law, war or armed conflict, as well as during emergencies or states of emergency. The draft also calls for raising the penalty for looting from six to seven years in prison, signaling a tougher stance on this offense.
The deputy pointed to media reports suggesting an uptick in looting incidents as people evacuated and abandoned properties following the dam collapse in Orsk. It is noted that under current legislation, looting in emergency situations is treated as theft, with a maximum penalty of up to two years of imprisonment.
Earlier reports described residents of Orsk expressing fear of looters amid the crisis. Authorities have discussed measures to bolster patrols and security efforts to deter looting and safeguard property during evacuations and recovery operations.
In this context, the proposed reform aims to clarify the legal boundaries of theft during emergencies and to ensure that the penalties align with the seriousness of looting activities in situations of mass displacement and public disorder. The initiative reflects ongoing concerns about property protection in periods of instability and the need for a consistent legal framework to address criminal acts that jeopardize public safety and civil order.