Scientific Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs

Article examines genesis and development of professional criminality in the course of European civilization evolvement. Identity of specific characteristics of professional criminality in different historical periods is analyzed. It is concluded that criminal world as an essential part of social evolution has constantly been updating its methodology in line with economic and scientific progress. As a result the consolidation of criminal elements evolved from isolated criminal groups to establishment of professional criminal environment. Professional criminality of different historical periods is marked with specific cultural codes and symbols, various hierarchal structures and models of interaction. But a number of typical features owned by professional criminals is kept regardless of its spatiotemporal dynamics, forming isolated and complex structural entity – criminal community. Modern professional criminality contains archaic characteristics and elements which are сonstantly reproduced and overspread.