Georgia national pleads guilty to poisoned candy plot in NYC

The leader of an Eastern European neo-Nazi organization has pleaded guilty in New York City to attempting to recruit individuals for violent attacks targeting Jewish people and racial minorities.

Federal prosecutors identified the man as Michail Chkhikvishvili, 22, a Georgian national also known by the alias “Butcher.” Authorities told US media he sought to recruit people to dress as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to children in New York on New Year’s Eve 2023.

Chkhikvishvili was reportedly the head of an international extremist network called the Maniac Murder Cult, which communicated through Telegram. Federal investigators revealed that he provided an undercover FBI agent with detailed instructions for carrying out the plot. These included purchasing poisonous substances, disguising himself with “a big beard, makeup, [and] glasses,” handing out poisoned candy to racial minorities, and then destroying the Santa costume. Prosecutors said Chkhikvishvili emphasized that the attack be executed on New Year’s Eve.

Investigators also said Chkhikvishvili discussed plans for an assault on a Jewish holiday.

On November 18, Chkhikvishvili pleaded guilty before a federal judge in Brooklyn to charges of soliciting hate crimes and distributing instructions for making bombs and ricin. Messages sent to the undercover agent included guidance on crafting homemade explosives, with one note reading: “Everything with simple available stuff. It also depends what you bomb, for public places you must use nails.”

Prosecutors indicated they are seeking a sentence of up to 18 years in prison for Chkhikvishvili. They also said the Maniac Murder Cult’s online manifesto and solicitations have influenced real-world violence, including a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee.

By Tamilla Hasanova