Seven threats Canadians could face at the Sochi Olympics

There is little more than a week before the launch of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi Russia and, despite the bluster and excitement in Canada ahead of the massive event, the Canadian government has recommended residents reconsider their plans to attend the event.

"Canadians should be aware that, although the host country will have special security arrangements in place at Olympic venues, this does not eliminate the risk of terrorist attacks,” Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney said in a statement last week. “The decision to travel despite these concerns rests with the traveller, and such decisions should be considered carefully."

Consider carefully, indeed. The Canadian Olympic Committee said recently they were confident the country's contingent of athletes, trainers and volunteers would be safe while in Russia. Those who travel on their own dime, however, are responsible for looking after their own skins.

Here are seven threats Canadian travellers could face during the Sochi Games.

Public safety

We are talking average, ordinary run-of-the-mill crime. Except in Russia, it's not always so run of the mill. Crime against foreigners is common, harassment and violent attacks are prevalent. Roving gangs will target visitors with "distraction cons" and lure them into dangerous areas.

"Exercise extreme caution in crowds and places frequented by skinhead groups, including open markets," reads a Canadian travel warning. "Violent crime is common. Pickpocketing, assaults and robberies occur frequently and are often committed by groups of children and teenagers."

[ Related: Canadian athletes will be safe at Sochi Olympics, COC says ]

Fraud and organized crime

Gangs of kids are one thing, but being targeted by apparent authority figures is a fear as well. Visitors should be aware that traffic police are known to stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines. Robberies at bogus checkpoints in rural areas have been known to occur. Criminals are also known to pose as police officers in urban areas. Visitors are urged to hide signs of affluence and secure all personal belongings and travel documents.

Terrorism

It is one thing to be warned about public safety, generally. It is another to be told the names of those threatening that safety. The Canadian government has warned that the top terrorist threat to the Games comes from the North Caucasus-based terrorist group, Imarat Kavkaz. In July, leader Doku Umarov called on militants to derail the Games and ended a moratorium against attacks on the public. As many as three "black widow" female suicide bombers are also believed to be in Russia and planning an attack during the games. Notably, Ruzanna Ibragimova is said to be hiding in Sochi.

Regional travel

Those who travel all the way to Russia to take in a few days of athletic competition may feel compelled to get out and see the more of the country. In some cases, that could be highly dangerous. Canada's foreign affairs ministry urges against all travel to the republics of Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan, among others. "If you are currently in one of these areas, you should leave," the advisory states.

These travel advisories are long standing and relate to violence stemming from various civil wars. It won't be easy to stumble into one of the danger zones. Just don't get too adventurous. Then again, much of the threat against Sochi stems from the same wars.

[ More Brew: CBSA to share Canadians’ travel data with other federal departments ]

Russia's security measures

Russia has allocated some $2.5 billion to create a security zone around Sochi and the Olympic venues. While that may make the Olympic site safer, it could create an imbalance outside of the security zone. Canada travel advisories recommend visitors frequently check travel advisories for areas outside of Sochi, and take extra caution at borders and airports. Further, analysis of the Sochi Games conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies says a federal law passed in 2007 "gives the government wide-ranging authority to create supervised and prohibited zones, strengthen security measures, and restrict access around the Games." That could create ongoing confusion about what is allowed within the Games and what is not.

'Homosexual propaganda'

A recent declaration by the mayor of Sochi that the Olympic city has no gay citizens is unlikely to mitigate the tension homosexual visitors and athletes have ahead of the Games. Russia recently implemented laws limiting homosexual expression, sparking outrage and protest over the country’s stance on gay rights. Canadian travel advisories warn that “this law could render any homosexual and pro-homosexual statements punishable.” While it claims that homosexual activity is not illegal in Russia, public actions – such as making pro-gay statements or exhibiting conspicuous behaviour – may lead to arrest and deportation.

Participating in the Games

Sure, organizers can express confidence that athletes will be safe, but confidence will only get us so far. U.S. athletes have been warned by government officials not to wear their Olympic outfits outside Sochi. And while Canadian athletes have not been given similar warnings, some remain concerned. CBC News recently spoke with several Canadian athletes who said they were discussing the safety of the Games with family members. Some went so far as to tell family to stay away. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman told the Toronto Star this week that the league lets players go because they want to participate, a comment that distances the NHL from the threats facing the Olympics.

The Canadian military will have no presence near Sochi during the Games. Even still, the government says they are working with Russian officials to ensure the security of the Games.

On the other hand, they are suggesting Canadians carefully consider whether to attend. Consider yourself warned.

Want to know what news is brewing in Canada?
Follow @MRCoutts on Twitter.