The FSB of Russia has detained over 20 individuals in relation to the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall. The attack, coordinated by the ISIS-affiliated group Vilayat Khorasan, involved militants operating from the Afghanistan-Pakistan zone.
Details of the Arrests
Alexander Bortnikov, the FSB director, revealed these developments during a meeting of the Council of Heads of Security Agencies and Special Services of the CIS States, as reported by the Russian news outlet Interfax.
"We are currently establishing the entire circle of those involved in the crime. More than twenty persons have already been detained, including the direct perpetrators and accomplices," Bortnikov stated.
He confirmed that the preparatory actions, financing, the attack, and the withdrawal of terrorists were orchestrated online by members of the Vilayat Khorasan group, which is banned in Russia. The investigation has also linked Ukrainian military intelligence to the attack.
“The investigation continues, but we can already say with confidence that Ukrainian military intelligence is directly related to this attack,” Bortnikov emphasized.
“We are confident that one of the goals of those who ordered this terrorist attack is to damage the relations of the Commonwealth countries using religious and national factors,” he said.
The investigation is being conducted with assistance from intelligence and law enforcement agencies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
“I want to assure that all the circumstances of the crime will be established, and everyone involved in it will not escape punishment. We are grateful to our colleagues who provide every possible assistance in the investigation,” he said.
Incident Overview
On March 22, armed assailants attacked Crocus City Hall before a concert by the Picnic group, leading to a fire and 144 casualties.
The Russian Investigative Committee is handling the criminal case of the terrorist attack, with several individuals, including the perpetrators and their accomplices, already under arrest. These accomplices are suspected of providing housing, vehicles, and funding to the attackers.
