We ran across two apparently unrelated articles involving Russia.  But, we suspect a connection exists.

In a potentially far reaching disclosure, a giant leak of “offshore” financial records, hacked from a Panama law firm, exposed a global array of crime and corruption. Millions of documents show heads of state, criminals, and celebrities using secret hideaways in tax havens. Among the 140 politicians and public officials from around the world mentioned in the documents is a dotted line connection to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In another development, Russia just got yet another security service. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the creation of a Russian “national guard”. Officially, the new National Guard will combat terrorism and organized crime and will take over riot and SWAT duties from the Interior Ministry’s troops. But more than law enforcement or security concerns, the surprise announcement signals that the Putin administration is worried about instability.

Russia holds an important role in the world’s geopolitical web. For this reason we will monitor future developments closely.