Russia wraps up investigation into deadly Crocus City Hall terror attack

Spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee Svetlana Petrenko has finalised its probe into the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, a major concert venue near Moscow, which left dozens dead and many injured.

The suspects include members of the banned terrorist organisation "Wilayat Khorasan" and their accomplices, who now face multiple charges. These include committing a terrorist act, illegal weapons trafficking, manufacturing explosives, and falsifying the registration of foreign nationals in Russia, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

According to investigators, the attack was orchestrated to serve the interests of Ukraine’s current leadership, with the goal of destabilizing Russia’s internal political situation. Authorities claim the planning began months in advance, with some suspects entering Russia after undergoing training abroad. 

The investigation also uncovered a second planned attack targeting an entertainment venue in Kaspiysk, Republic of Dagestan. That attack was reportedly prevented in time by Russian security forces. Weapons used in the Crocus City Hall attack were initially transported to Kaspiysk and later moved to the Moscow region. Some suspects were tasked with modifying firearms, while others handled logistics and finances. After the attack, several accomplices attempted to flee the country on instructions from the organizers but were detained at the border. 

The attackers themselves were apprehended in Russia’s Bryansk region while trying to cross into Ukraine. Nineteen suspects have been formally charged, and their case has been referred to the prosecutor for trial. Investigations continue into two more organisers and four additional suspected members of the terrorist network.

By Naila Huseynova