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These Russian bad boys identify their criminal status, loyalty to their clan, their addiction, or length of imprisonment by sporting a particular tattoo.

For example, a snake around the neck signifies drug addiction; stars on collar bones, or epaulettes on shoulders denotes rank and criminal authority; the Madonna and Child (one of the most common) can mean loyalty to a clan, a sign for good luck or to ward off evil, or that this particular gangster has been in jail for a very long time.

There are also those that are personal, names tattooed across knuckles, a ring on a forefinger means “rely on no one but yourself.” Tattoos on fingers can also denote speciality (the thieves cross on middle finger), a tattoo on third finger means has served full sentence from beginning to end, while one on the pinkie means “dark life,” someone who has spent a lot of time in solitary confinement. The skull and crossbones, gun, knife or the letter “K” mean killer.

These images from the forthcoming book Russian Criminal Tattoo Police Files.

H/T Retronaut