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Russian investigators have identified the organizers of the terrorist group behind the deadly March 22, 2024, attack on Crocus City Hall, along with new details about the group’s training and preparations. The information comes from case files cited by TASS.
According to the investigation, the group’s organizers — identified as A.I. Bekov and A.M. Khikmatov — operated from abroad and allegedly acted in the interests of Ukraine’s top political leadership to destabilize the situation in Russia. Beginning on June 1, 2023, Bekov and Khikmatov began preparing operatives who had pledged allegiance to Wilayat Khorasan, an organization banned in Russia, to carry out terrorist attacks.
From November 2023 to March 2024, the organizers, using intermediaries known as “Saifullo” and “Akhi,” selected Crocus City Hall as their target. According to the materials, the selection was incentivized by financial rewards. The terrorist network organized by Bekov and Khikmatov consisted of multiple cells intended for the execution of violent crimes.
The four identified perpetrators — Shamsiddin Fariduni, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Dalerjon Mirzoev, and Mukhammadsobir Faizov (younger brother of one of the alleged organizers) — reportedly received training in Turkey. Communication between the organizers, handlers, and attackers was coordinated by M. Faizov, who operated out of Turkey and arranged meetings in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Training reportedly included firearms handling and tactical preparation.
Hours before the attack, Shamsiddin Fariduni conducted reconnaissance at Crocus City Hall, assessing security measures. He later gave the green light to the others. On their way to the venue, Mirzoev, Faizov, and Rachabalizoda ingested a drug containing mephedrone to dull their fear, according to forensic analysis. The substance was found in their blood, while Fariduni’s tests came back clean. Investigators say Fariduni gave a full confession and expressed remorse.
The attackers were armed with three Kalashnikov rifles and 59 magazines (a total of 1,381 rounds), a Makarov pistol, four knives, five bottles of gasoline, lighters, and headlamps. Following the assault, they attempted to flee to Ukraine but were captured in Russia’s Bryansk region.
▶️ The case files also reveal that the group was preparing a second attack — this one targeting the “Moskva” entertainment complex in Kaspiysk, Dagestan. That plan allegedly involved Umedjon Soliev, Shahromjon Gadoev, and Zubaydullo Ismoilov. Law enforcement officers foiled the attempt and seized an improvised explosive device.
The weapons used in the Crocus City Hall attack were transported from Dagestan to Moscow and handed over to the attackers.
In total, 19 individuals are named in the investigation — some as direct participants, others as accomplices. According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the Crocus City Hall attack claimed 149 lives. One person remains missing, and 609 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The estimated damage from the attack stands at 6 billion rubles (about $68 million).
The trial of the 19 suspects is scheduled to begin on August 4 in a military court. The investigation into the two primary organizers and four other individuals is ongoing.
