Tattoos and Their Meanings, presented by the Canada Border Services Agency

RUSSIAN PRISON TATTOOS CAT: A cat tattoo represents a prisoner’s life as a thief. A single cat signifies that the criminal acted alone, while several cats together show that the criminal was part of a gang. The head of a tomcat is considered good luck for a thief. It can also serve as a warning, as it signifies a dangerous criminal who hates law enforcement, especially if worn on the chest. Source The Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Volume II.
SCARAB BEETLE: This is a Russian criminal tattoo, most likely from prison. The scarab beetle is a symbol of good luck for thieves (so-called protection). The tattoo symbolizes a pickpocket.Definition provided by Vancouver Police Department.

BIRDS ON HORIZON: The bearer likes freedom and is escape-minded. An image of birds flying over the horizon means “I was born free and should be free.”

Source The Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Volume I.  

SPIDER WEB: A spider web often represents time spent in prison and/or time spent caught in the web of the “gang lifestyle” that is inescapable. It may also represent the beginning of a gang lifestyle.

Tattoos and Their Meanings, presented by the Canada Border Services Agency Organized Crime Section, National Headquarters, May 2008.

https://info.publicintelligence.net/CBSA-TattooHandbook.pdf

Photograph Scarab Cartouche of Thutmosis III from Karnak temple of Amun-Ra, Egypt, Chiswick Chap June 7, 2009.

 

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