Taxis, Guns, and Scams

This week, taxis get their due; Kalashnikov unveils a new stocking stuffer; and Gogol gets another homage.

• A recent study has found that 69% of Muscovites consider taxis a safe, reliable form of transport, especially in emergency situations or on holidays. On an unrelated note, the Moscow metro plans to provide free rides this New Years', so you have no reason not to go out and have some fun (if the mayor lets you).
• Russian arms maker Kalashnikov unveiled their new civilian model AKV-521 rifle. Frankly, it looks pretty cool, so maybe Ded Moroz will drop one off for you if you're good.
• Roskomnadzor is set to register and track all social networks with at least a half-million Russian users in 2020. The move is described as a way to monitor illegal content, and we're sure this won't be abused.
• Just in time for New Years' celebrations, the State Duma has approved a bill for the construction of "sobering-up centers" (aka "drunk tanks") throughout Russia, so again, no reason to hold back this year as you ring in 2021!
• Another echo of Gogol... A school director in Keremovo Oblast is under fire after electronically transferring R52,000 (nearly $700) to scammers disguised as a "commission from Moscow" for champagne and flowers for his staff. Life imitates art...