Russian investigators have reportedly identified the masterminds behind the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk. According to case materials cited by TASS, the leaders of the terrorist network are A.I. Bekov and A.M. Hikmatov, both currently residing abroad. Their nationalities were not disclosed.
Between June 1, 2023, and March 5, 2024, Bekov and Hikmatov allegedly prepared members of the group to carry out terrorist acts in Moscow and Kaspiysk—the latter of which was successfully prevented. The suspects reportedly recruited followers of radical ideologies who pledged allegiance to the banned group Wilayat Khorasan, the Afghan branch of ISIS.
The network they established reportedly consisted of several structural cells tasked with carrying out serious and especially grave crimes intended to destabilize the situation in Russia. The investigation also mentions unidentified figures operating under aliases such as Saifullo, Akhi, Talhi, and Abumeskin.
Members of Wilayat Khorasan involved in the Crocus City Hall attack are said to have received training in Turkiye. They were recruited online via Telegram and extremist forums.
One of the key coordinators, M.Z. Faizov (senior), reportedly served as a liaison between the masterminds and the operatives from June 1, 2023, to March 22, 2024. Operating from Turkiye, he reportedly arranged meetings in Pakistan and Afghanistan and provided housing for the group during their training.
The four attackers—Faridoun Shamsiddin, Saidakram Rajabalizoda, Dalerjon Mirzoyev, and Muhammadsobir Faizov (younger brother of the organizer)—allegedly received firearms training in Turkiye.
Toxicology reports found that three of the attackers—Mirzoyev, Faizov, and Rajabalizoda—had consumed the synthetic drug mephedrone before the assault, likely to numb fear. Only Shamsiddin tested negative for drugs. He is the sole suspect to have fully confessed and expressed remorse for his actions.
The weapons used in the deadly terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall were delivered by accomplices from Dagestan, who transported them from the North Caucasus in a car equipped with a hidden compartment, investigators have revealed.
Just prior to the attack, the perpetrators purchased four new smartphones and several kitchen knives. During the assault, they were armed with three Kalashnikov rifles, at least 59 magazines containing a total of no fewer than 1,381 rounds, a Makarov pistol, four household knives, and at least five bottles filled with gasoline.
Following the attack, the assailants reportedly received 135,000 rubles from their handlers, transferred to a bank card belonging to Faridoun Shamsiddin to facilitate their escape from Russia.
The terrorist attack occurred in the Crocus City Hall on March 22, 2024. It resulted in the deaths of 146 people and left more than 550 injured. The four attackers—Tajik nationals Muhammadsobir Faizov, Dalerjon Mirzoyev, Saidakram Rajabalizoda, and Faridoun Shamsiddin—attempted to flee but were apprehended in Bryansk Region and brought to Moscow.
The criminal case against 19 individuals involved in the attack is set to go to trial on August 4.
