The book introduces the reader to the laws and traditions of professional criminals. It is dedicated to the leaders of the criminal world. Unique materials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the KGB, the FSB make it possible to trace the “careers” of the most famous thieves in law Vyacheslav Ivankov (“Japanese”), Valery Dlugach (“Globe”), Viktor Nikiforov (“Kalina”) and many others. Who won the “bitch war"? Where does a thief get his nickname? How is an agent network formed in prisons and camps? Who shoots criminal leaders and why? Is there a "white arrow"? Who really was killer No. 1 Alexander Solonik? You will find answers to all these and not only these questions in this book. Intended for a wide range of readers.