As of 2026, the use of this phrase and related symbols is heavily restricted in Russia:
The phrase "Жизнь ворам, смерть мусорам" (abbreviated as or ZhVSM ) is a prominent slogan within the Russian criminal subculture, specifically associated with the "thieves-in-law" (vory v zakone) tradition and the AUE (Arestantskoye Ugolovnoye Yedinstvo) movement. Meaning and Usage As of 2026, the use of this phrase
The slogan literally translates to "Life to thieves, death to cops" (where "musor" is a derogatory Russian slang term for police officers). As of 2026