About the series
Spring 1921. The introduction of the NEP is rapidly transforming Petrograd, bled dry by war and revolution. Marches and anthems give way to foxtrot and chanson, well-dressed people appear on the embankments, and, as a result, so do street thugs eager to rob them. Lawlessness breaks out that the Cheka is unable to handle — shops are robbed five times a day. The Petersburg criminal underworld, led by Uncle Kolya, then steps in to protect the NEP businessmen, taking them under its "protection." However, not all the NEP businessmen agree to pay for such services, so Uncle Kolya sends armed squads after them. The most famous and effective of them is the gang led by Rodya, a former anarchist, a dandy and ladies' man, the northern Benya Krik.
