Crocus International recognized as injured party in Moscow concert massacre

The company Crocus International has been officially recognized as the injured party in the criminal case related to the terrorist attack that occurred at Crocus City Hall.

"To recognize the joint-stock company Crocus International as an injured party in the criminal case initiated under articles 205, 205.5, 222, and 223.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (terrorist act, illegal trafficking of weapons and explosives, participation in the activities of a terrorist organization)," a legal document states, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Crocus International JSC, which owns Crocus City Hall, has been severely impacted, as the venue was burned down in the attack and remains unusable.

Under the Russian Code of Criminal Procedure, the injured party has the right to fully review the case materials, participate in the trial, present evidence, file motions, and seek compensation for damages. In cases where the injured party is a legal entity, these rights are exercised through an official representative.

Details of the attack

On March 22, 2024, a coordinated terrorist attack targeted civilians at the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast. The attack began around 20:00 MSK (UTC+3), just before the Russian band Picnic was scheduled to perform. Four terrorists linked to the Islamic State – Vilayat Khorasan (IS-KP or ISIS-K) carried out a mass shooting and knife attacks on concertgoers before setting the venue on fire with incendiary devices.

Investigators confirmed that 145 people were killed, including those who later succumbed to injuries in the hospital, while more than 551 others sustained gunshot wounds or burns. 

The Islamic State quickly claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaq News Agency, with its regional affiliate, IS-KP, believed to have carried out the operation. 

Reactions and investigation

The Russian Foreign Ministry officially classified the incident as a terrorist attack. President Vladimir Putin condemned it as a "barbaric terrorist act" and confirmed the arrest of the perpetrators. He declared March 24, 2024, a national day of mourning. However, he also attempted to link the assailants to Ukraine, a claim that has been widely dismissed as disinformation.

The attack was the deadliest act of terrorism on Russian soil since the Beslan school siege in 2004. Authorities detained 12 individuals in connection with the attack, including four key suspects who were charged with terrorism on March 24.

New developments in the investigation

On November 2, Russian authorities identified four additional suspects in the ongoing investigation. These individuals, all from Ingushetia, are believed to have played a role in preparing the weapons used in the attack. Two of the suspects have been arrested, while the other two remain on the federal wanted list.

Investigators allege that these suspects were involved in modifying hollow-point Kalashnikov rifles into fully operational combat weapons, which were then supplied to the terrorists.

The primary attackers were identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov. According to the Russian Investigative Committee, the attackers attempted to flee to Ukraine via the Belgorod region, where they reportedly expected assistance from local special services.

As the investigation progressed, several additional accomplices were arrested, including four individuals from Dagestan. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) suspects that these individuals were connected to the banned terrorist organization Vilayat Khorasan.

By Tamilla Hasanova