How does diplomatic immunity really work?

Diplomatic immunity shields individuals from virtually any crime but in cases of mass conspiracy, such as the recent revelation of the Russian Embassy employees committing millions of dollars worth of Medicaid fraud, it behooves the foreign nation involved to repay the losses in the interest of continued good relations between the two countries. We'll see if Russia actually makes good on paying back the debt. But those diplomats involved will not be prosecuted for their crimes.

The rules governing diplomatic immunity can be found in the "Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations".

@Richard B -- learn to read. He asked a question and I find you rude and stupid for not reading all he wrote. He said he THOUGHT "D I" started in the 18 century NOT 1980... Tisk tisk... Anyone that thinks they know it all and are so smart are so easily dropped off their high ladder. Again... Learn to READ before you make rude comments to him to learn history. I would rather know how to read and actually do it well then know as much history as you think you know.

NO it is vital! diplomatic immunity protects ALL foreign diplomats on duty in hostile places. it protects AMERICANS, or it should. the embassy attacks are violations. if there was no D -I any tin pot dictator could arrest american officials for "crimes against the state, or spitting on the side walk" convicted or suspected criminals can be expelled and international warrants issued. one country can even ask the country of the diplomat to weave immunity for a specific person or else try him for the crime in the how me country. it did NOT start in the 1980s it is a rule older than the United states itself!