They reengaged after the major exodus in 1998, when many withdrew from the market. Since that reengagement, I would say that those who are actively involved in Russia right now have fairly high confidence. I mentioned the mafia because that's a word that is so often associated with Russia. However, in Russia, as in any country in the world, the mafia is essentially involved in prostitution, alcohol, drugs and gambling. Around the world, you find organized crime in those areas. The other sectors of the economy aren't affected, and the mafia isn't omnipresent. It is entirely possible for businesses to act in Russia without needing protection, and I believe that Canadian entrepreneurs currently engaged in Russia aren't faced with demands or needs to coexist with the mafia, unless they are operating in the sectors I just named. I believe that the time when there was a lot of activity and when virtually all economic sectors were affected by a criminal potential is long since passed. That was really during the years 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996. Now that's no longer the case.
On February 20th, 2007. See this statement in context.