Primorsky Krai faces a cybercrime surge despite overall crime decline in 2025

Crime trends in Russia's Primorsky Krai have shifted in recent years, with some areas worsening while others show improvement. Cybercrime has surged by 45% since 2021, far outpacing the national average. Meanwhile, overall reported offences dropped by nearly 20% in 2025, according to official data from Roskomnadzor and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The region's cybercrime spike stands out, with over 7,700 incidents recorded last year. Losses from these crimes exceeded 2.5 billion rubles, highlighting a growing threat. This increase of 45% since 2021 surpasses the national rise of 32% and even exceeds rates in Moscow (28%), though it aligns with other Far Eastern regions like Khabarovsk Krai (42%).

Despite the cybercrime surge, Primorsky Krai saw a 19.8% drop in registered crimes in 2025. Fewer criminal cases were opened, suggesting an overall improvement in general law and order. However, certain offences rose sharply, including crimes against sexual freedom, which jumped by 21%. Juvenile crime among 14- and 15-year-olds also increased, along with offences targeting children. Corruption remains a persistent issue, with 116 related offences and 21 bribery cases uncovered in 2025. Staffing shortages in the police force may be contributing to the challenges, as over 3,500 positions—30.5% of the total—remain unfilled. The most critical gaps are in patrol services, neighbourhood policing, and criminal investigations. On a positive note, police successfully secured over 2,300 public events in the region last year without any major incidents.

The mixed crime trends in Primorsky Krai reflect both progress and ongoing concerns. While cybercrime and certain violent offences have risen sharply, the overall number of registered crimes has fallen. Staffing shortages and corruption cases remain key issues for local authorities to address.