December 11, 2020

Yes, Dumplings are Still Bribes


Yes, Dumplings are Still Bribes
RussianLife authors accept khinkali as payment, too. The RussianLife file

A former Novosibirsk police chief has been sentenced to three years in prison and four more of probation for accepting Caucasian dumplings on the side.

The charges say that the chief overlooked rent violations from a local cafe in exchange for free, hot, delivered meals. The chief's go-to was, reportedly, khinkali dumplings with a cucumber salad.

Khinkali, for those of you who have yet to be blessed by them, are thick, soup-, herbs-, and meat-filled dumplings from the Caucasian state of Georgia. They're a popular food throughout the former USSR.

Investigators, initially believing that the man had racked up a total of R200,000 ($2600) of khinkali-valued bribes found, on review, that this total was only (?) R53,000 ($700).  That's a lot of takeout.

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955