Job Discussion Forums

petrovic23 · Joined: 15 Sep 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Russia

I have been teaching in Russia for several years now, but have never had a problem like the current one.

Two weeks ago, I noticed some money was missing and things were out of place at my apartment. I took extra care to hide and count my money (I recently took a new job and am having difficulty opening a bank account...never had one before in Russia actually). When I came home ALL my cash was gone. I consulted one of the managers, who lives nearby and she told me not to call the police because they would do nothing. She said that maybe I misplaced the money, so I tore my flat apart looking for it.

The next day, another one of the managers tried told me basically not to go to the police, but offered to help me find a new flat. She also berated me for keeping valuables at home (thanks!).

Since my current job finds us lodgings, they and the landlords are the only ones who have keys (besides me). There was no sign of forced entry, and the burglary happened while I was at work. I was reminded again, albeit a bit more sternly, to not to go to the police this week.

It's been almost a week. I think it's pretty obvious who stole my money. Since these folks work above me, I don't know what they could do against me. I don't feel comfortable living here, and work is ever worse because then I'm around those people.

I really love my job here, but I just don't know what to do. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Also, if I do quit, am I going to have to get a new visa to stay in Russia?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:45 am Post subject:

Very sorry to hear about your experience Petrovic23. I cannot say anything that would help you except that, no, you probably won't need a new visa if you quit your job. Simply keep your passport in your possession and your visa sponsor cannot do anything about the visa. Your boss cannot simply declare your visa is cancelled. Your passport and visa needs to be taken to the immigration authorities, and THEY cancel the visa. But without the documents to hand, they will not do anything.

However, if it were me, I'd demand to know what the school is planning to do about the alleged theft. Have they spoken to the landlord, or caretakers etc? If not, why shouldn't you go to the police? (It will actually be a waste of time, but that is not what they are concerned about...)

Sorry again to hear about this.

S

petrovic23 · Joined: 15 Sep 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Russia

Well, they are finding me a new flat at the moment, but this may take weeks. They also said that they'd change the locks, but that doesn't change who has the keys...obviously. They wouldn't do both. Since one of the "suspects" lives quite near, I thought that would be a better idea.

There is an obvious reason that they asked me not to go to the police or talk to the director/boss of the school...my main problem is potential repercussions from these folks. I'm not quite sure what they could do to make my life more difficult.

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

If it were me, I would go to the police, though Sasha is right. They won't do anything. And yes, the reasons they don't want you to go to the police are obvious. If I were in your shoes, I would find an apartment without the school's help, if it's within your means. Even if they move you into a new apartment, it still seems to me that at least one of the suspects would still have keys to your apartment. Also, if you don't leave valuables in your apartment, where are you supposed to leave them?

petrovic23 · Joined: 15 Sep 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Russia

"Also, if you don't leave valuables in your apartment, where are you supposed to leave them?"

You're absolutely right! I loved the logic in her "lecture" about safety.

Now, another thing, I'm looking into opening a bank account. Is this even feasible here?

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:01 pm Post subject:

Sure, of course. I have two or three. You'll need the usual documents - passport, registration etc. Your employer should even help you to set up a salary account, with the usual spravka.

Unless they are not declaring tax....DUN DUN DUUUNNNNNNNN!

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 4:56 am Post subject:

I didn't know about the translated passport bit. Didn't need to do that when I opened my account, which was opened immediately - but that was years ago admittedly.

Raiffeisen is quite good for English-speaking service, as is UniCredit. But it can be hit-and-miss as to who will be available to deal with you. I'd try to have a Russian speaker with you for the account opening stage at least. For if you have never dealt with a bank here before, prepare to be mystified, not just by language, but by illogical rules and procedures : )

Good luck.

ETA · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 60

sorry to hear about your situation. It could have been the FSB harassing you, similar situations have happened in Belarus with the KGB authorities harassing English teachers to scare them out. Apparently the gov't isn't too keen on having foreigners in town. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/23/russia-targeting-western-diplomats. The link is abit old, but you can google FSB harassment.

Sashadroogie · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 6:36 pm Post subject:

Erm, Can't open the link, but in any case I would be surprised if this incident wasn't anything other than opportunistic theft by low level crooks. KGB harassment of mere TEFLers? Very unlikely...

ETA · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 60

golsa · Joined: 20 Nov 2011 Posts: 185

Kanada_Goose · Joined: 04 Jan 2012 Posts: 10

Sorry to hear about the drama...

I think your intiution is probably correct, however rule out all other possibilities of a collegue or 'friend' who may have had knowledge of your habits. (I have investigated occurrences where supposed 'friends' who were bold enough to steal ATM cards and actually withdraw hundreds of dollars from a persons' account and then return the cards..).

If your interest in this employer is lost, and you are seeking other status with another then I would recommend confronting your alleged 'thieves' without throwing around accustations. Inquire who has access to the apartment, landlord, owner, manager..whoever....and ask to speak to them. State in a determined and knowledgeable way that there appears to be no forced entry, and the alleged thief would have access to the apartment. Advise your suspect that you agree, the police will probably not do much to assist you, however, you want to have a report filed on record just in case, there may be 'other' similar occurrences. (The presence of presumed pressure can be more effective than hostile confrontation).

The 're-vicitimization' by the employer by making you the guilty one for leaving valuables lying around is an attempt to draw suspicion away from them and make you feel embarassed for being so 'foolish'...and therefore dissuade you from reporting the incident to police..

I would try this approach, but keep your guard up...if it gets ugly drop it and seek other employment.....but remember to do it on your terms. Nothing is worth your personal safety. Wink

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:38 pm Post subject:

That sounds like the best way of dealing with this situation, Kanada_Goose. Thanks for that. Will file away for future reference in case I find myself in a similar situation also.

Kanada_Goose · Joined: 04 Jan 2012 Posts: 10