News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Crime is being hushed up in Russia during the World Cup on Vladimir Putin's orders, it is claimed - with authorities reportedly told to keep quiet about "negative" news.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has stopped revealing details about crimes and arrests such as theft and robbery, according to multiple reports in Russia.

It comes following strong orders from the Kremlin about protecting the country's image while the eyes of the world are on it.

One memo, seen by The Telegraph , warns officials to "cease publishing in the mass media information about investigative operations and preventative measures" for the duration of the World Cup.

(Image: Andy Commins/Daily Mirror)

And the order, reportedly issued by a general in the central federal district, also urged police to monitor social media to "catch negative information".

Mr Putin has previously told police that the "image of the nation depends upon the thoroughness of your work".

And a source told news site Mediazona that public services have been told they can only release "positive" information during the tournament.

Since June 7, no news has been released about crimes or arrests, the site has found.

(Image: AFP)

Another report, published by Znak.com , reports that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia brought in the blackout on June 6.

Daily crime reports have stopped being published by police forces across Russia, Mediazona reports.

Security has been beefed up in the build-up to the World Cup, with police drafted into host cities from rural areas.

People previously convicted of offences linked to extremism have been ordered to sign agreements saying they will not travel during the World Cup.