There was an article in GQ (of all places) a couple years ago that said that they are preparing to build casinos in Cuba after Castro is gone. The Columbian narco dollars are their main competition but the Cubans don't like the Columbians. The Russians are making a name for themselves all over the world.
They have teamed with the Yakuza in Japan in the skin trade, bring women over for clubs. They are tight with Middle Eastern countries because they have access to weapons like missile technology and nuclear technology from the old Soviet military. They are now becoming experts in money laundering. There is a plane load of brand new 100 dollar bils that leave JFK airport every day for Moscow for the Russian banks supposedly. That is documented.
They have a gas tax scam in full bloom on the east coast and have gotten into book making.
They are poised to either be the heir apparant or as some would argue already the new kings.