The riots took place in the early hours of Friday in the Primorye Territory town of Spassk-Dalny. According to a police statement, gangs attacked banks, shops, and restaurants. They damaged at least 17 buildings, burning some of them to the ground.
The situation was brought under control after extra police were brought in to deal with the situation.
Media reports say four people were detained on charges of arson and hooliganism. There are no reports of casualties, and police are investigating the causes of the disturbances.
It has been suggested by local media that the gangs were influenced by television reports of riots in Greece that followed the police shooting of a 15-year-old boy last Saturday.
The Dni.ru news website said however that the gangs may have been paid by local criminals to attack the buildings.
