This article aims to explore a question of whether the situation of Russian large as well as small and medium size businesses would be improved by the introduction of the current set of economic reforms by way of the 2010 Russian Criminal Code amendments. The article concludes that the amendments are unlikely to make any difference when it comes to large enterprises given the current extra-legal relationship between big business and the state. In terms of small and medium businesses, the 2010 amendments may make it more difficult to lay criminal charges against business owners and thus reduce some of the pressure facing small and medium businesses. However, the 2010 amendments are unlikely to cause a radical shift in the overall plight of small and medium businesses.