NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT THIS: The Temptation of Illegal Jobs in Russia

September 13, 2025
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Listen up.

We actually need to talk about something serious. And this is something that people don’t really want to discuss, especially among the foreigners here.

So back in the day, when I first landed in Russia, things were pretty tough for foreigners. In fact, finding a decent job was almost impossible, and I myself saw firsthand how people were pushed to the edge, doing all sorts of things just to survive.

I remember getting “invitations” to deliver drugs and other shady packages. And as a guy, I can’t lie that I considered it so many times because it seemed so easy.

Some people I knew even got away with it a few times, and they would tell these crazy stories of how they made quick cash (a lot of money by the way) without any drama, and of course, without getting caught.

The temptation was real, but I told myself then and there that no matter how hard things got, I would never go down that road, especially after all the strong advice my parents gave that year. And trust me, I’m glad I stuck to that promise.

Recently, though, I’ve noticed a disturbing trend. More and more of our people, all young, talented and full of potential, are starting to think that this path is a valid option. They forget that this isn’t back home.

See if you are a foreigner here in Russia, you must remember that the system is always watching, and the authorities are getting even smarter and more sophisticated by the day.

They have unbelievable ways of tracking and catching offenders. You might think you’re a step ahead, but they are ten steps ahead, and they are not smiling. So don’t be fooled into risking your entire future for a little bit of quick money. The interesting thing is that there are consequences and those consequences are life-changing.

I used to think that this topic was a thing of the past, something we had all learned to avoid. But apparently, I was wrong. The stories I’ve been hearing recently are just as heartbreaking and frustrating as the ones from years ago.

Let me share a story that still baffles me. I was a student leader in my city, and I remember this particular final-year student who had about three months to graduate when he was caught delivering drugs. I was in shock. He swore to us he had just met the people he was “working for” at a restaurant the previous week and that he had no idea what was in the package. But did the authorities believe him? Of course not.

Trust me, the law doesn’t care about any story you’re telling. They caught him with the drugs, and that was all the evidence they needed. He was thrown into a prison cell and he spent a long time there, even before his trial began. Can you imagine? Years of studying, all the money spent, all the effort gone, just like that. He had nothing to show for it but a long prison sentence. I visited him a couple of times before his trial, and let me tell you, that place is not where you want to be. The regret in his eyes was heavier than any bag he could have ever carried.

Then there was this case of a lady who was contacted on Telegram. According to her, the offer sounded easy and harmless, and she just agreed, thinking she would run it once. But when they caught her, they had overwhelming evidence against her. Chats, pictures, everything. They were on to her from the very beginning. Many of these law enforcement agents work undercover, setting traps to catch people like us who are just too desperate.

To be fair, I know the struggle is real. Finding a legal job can be difficult, and the pay might not feel like enough. But I’m here to tell you that it is very possible to build a legal, thriving life here in Russia. There are more opportunities now than ever before. You can teach English, work online in tech or marketing, or even start a small business.

The money from these illegal ventures is very tempting, no doubt. But you cannot even compare it to what you will lose. You will lose your freedom, your future, your peace of mind, and your dignity. You will bring shame to your family and community. A few thousand rubles now are not worth a lifetime of regret.

So please, for your sake and for the sake of our community, just say no. Avoid the temptation. Explore legal alternatives, and remember that E-Solutions is always here to connect you with the right resources and support, any day, any time.

We come in peace. Or violence. You choose.

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