De Niro - clever man. In Russia much easier situation with taxes. It is much easier to bribe and stay "clean". Corruption flourishes.
Wonderful country.
Corruption is everywhere, and not just in Russia. However, it is true that the income tax rate is quite low in Russia. The maximum rate is around 13%, while in France the same is 75%. That means that if you are earning some $1,000,000 per year, then you will be allowed to keep $870,000 in Russia, although you will be left with just $250,000 if you are in France.