MOSCOW, February 3 (RIA Novosti) - Russian private security companies are no longer permitted to use special surveillance equipment, Russia's official newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, said on Tuesday.

According to recent amendments to the law on private security companies, they are banned from using special spy, surveillance and tapping equipment. They are also not permitted to use any police or security service identification in their work.

Those employed in law-enforcement structures are also not allowed to work for private investigation firms.

The penalty for violating the law has been increased to a maximum seven years in prison.

Over 200,000 people are currently employed as private investigators in Russia.