Vladimir Semyonovich Ovchinsky is a Russian criminologist, Major general, Doctor of Sciences in Jurisprudence, Professor, 3rd class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation (2006), Honoured Lawyer of Russia. From 1995 to 1997, he was an assistant to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia. From 1997 to 1999, he was the head of the Russian Bureau of Interpol. Former advisor to the Collective Security Treaty Organization.