Revival of Pillaging in Criminal Law

The formation of military-criminal legislation is a reasonable step of the legislator in the current socio-political situation. One of the most striking “mobilization” novelties of the criminal law was the return of the norm on looting to the Russian Criminal Code. In Soviet times, looting was considered the «most shameful» military crime, committed directly at the site of armed (combat) conflict. However, looting is currently regarded as a crime against the peace and security of mankind. Essentially, it is a special type of use of prohibited means and methods of warfare, namely military plunder, not justified by a state of forced necessity. One way or another, any act of looting must have a connection with the armed conflict. To establish such a connection, the author believes it is possible to use the experience of modern international tribunals recognized by the Russian Federation.