The movement promotes the "thieves' code" (ponyatiya), which includes a rejection of state authority, law enforcement, and formal social institutions. It romanticizes prison life and the figure of the "Thief-in-Law" ( Vor v zakone ).
The subculture often involves "obshchak" (tribute) systems where youths are coerced into stealing or collecting money from classmates to send to "elders" in prison. A.y.e ✵ Жизнь Ворам
Unlike traditional prison gangs, A.Y.E. heavily targets teenagers and young adults , particularly those in underprivileged areas, orphanages, or correctional facilities. The movement promotes the "thieves' code" (ponyatiya), which
Authorities cited the movement as a threat to public safety and a "well-structured youth movement" that incites hatred against law enforcement and undermines state structures. Summary particularly those in underprivileged areas
In August 2020, the officially designated A.Y.E. as an extremist organization .