The number of conscripts recruited for the Russian Interior Forces failed to reach the requirement, and the Interior Ministry had to draft ex-criminals to fill the vacant positions, local media reported on Monday.

Citing a source from the ministry, the Interfax news agency said the fall campaign on recruitment that ended on Dec. 31 didn't meet the need of the ministry.

The Interior Ministry had required 27,000 conscripts to be drafted in fall, but received only 18,500, said Sergei Topchy, Deputy Lieutenant-General of the Interior Forces.

Among those enlisted, the number of convicted criminals "rose significantly," Topchy said.

He called it a "highly disturbing fact," as the Interior Ministry's forces were supposed to fight the crimes.

The main area where the Interior Forces are deployed is Northern Caucasus, a troubled region with the highest crime level in Russia.

Russia's law makes no distinction between former criminals and law-abiding citizens with respect to their obligation of military service which is mandatory in Russia for every male over 18.

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