Russian mafia turns to FPV drones in lethal vendetta
In Russia, an unprecedented event has occurred: an FPV drone has been utilised in a mafia vendetta to eliminate a rival. It appears that the Russian mafia is beginning to adopt the techniques popularised by the conflict in Ukraine. Here, we explore the implications of this development.
According to the portal Rumafia, in Transbaikalia, a businessman was allegedly murdered using an FPV drone equipped with explosives. This seems to have been a mafia vendetta, as conducting business in Russia often involves interactions with criminal organisations.
In response to this incident, Russian law enforcement plans to involve local veterans with drone experience from the so-called special operation, referring to the war in Ukraine.
FPV drones — a revolution from the war in Ukraine
FPV drones gained prominence in Ukraine around late 2022 and early 2023. After months of heavy use leading to significant destruction of Russian equipment, their effectiveness decreased due to the employment of signal jammers and satellite navigation disruptors. Both Ukrainians and the quickly adapting Russians then engaged in a unique frequency war involving drone operators and jammer manufacturers.
Recently, FPV drones have experienced a resurgence, now resistant to jamming due to the use of wired connections via extended optical fibres.
FPV drones — a remote-controlled bomb for mere pennies
FPV drones are simple constructions that may cost merely a few hundred pounds, a trivial amount for criminal syndicates. Essentially, they require a frame, a control system, antennas (not always necessary), electric motors with rotors, batteries, and a camera. It is possible to attach any explosive device to such a drone, effectively creating what could be described as a "guided missile for the poor."
In Russia, the assassin likely used a drone operated via radio communication, which doesn't leave a trace in the form of optical fibres.
Nonetheless, specialised equipment can accurately determine the launch location of a drone, potentially leading to the operator unless methods such as positioning control station antennas away from oneself are employed. It is feasible that some of this equipment might be retracted to the country should mafia executions using FPV drones become more prevalent in Russia.
