U.S. federal authorities have charged the alleged leader of an Eastern European neo-Nazi group with plotting acts of domestic terrorism, following an investigation that uncovered plans targeting Jewish and minority communities.
A 21-year-old man originally from Georgia, who allegedly led a violent neo-Nazi group, was arraigned in a Brooklyn federal court after being extradited from Moldova. Prosecutors say he orchestrated a plan to distribute poisoned candy to Jewish children and racial minorities.
The defendant, Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as "Commander Butcher," is accused of leading the Maniac Murder Cult, a far-right extremist network that promotes violence against minorities, Jewish communities, and others it labels as "undesirables."
Chkhikvishvili is facing multiple felony counts, including soliciting hate crimes and plotting mass violence. Authorities say his group distributed violent propaganda through Telegram and encouraged attacks inspired by a manifesto called the "Hater's Handbook."
Prosecutors link the cult's ideology to real-world violence, including a school shooting in Nashville this year where a 16-year-old student was killed.
Court documents reveal that since 2022, Chkhikvishvili had visited Brooklyn several times. He allegedly bragged about attacking an elderly Jewish man and instructed others to carry out similar assaults. In 2023, he allegedly recruited an undercover FBI agent into a plan that involved dressing as Santa Claus to hand out poisoned candy to children at Jewish schools and to racial minorities.
He later refined the scheme, reportedly saying that “dead Jewish kids” would make a stronger statement. He also encouraged targeting the homeless, suggesting the government would not care if they died.
His attorney, Samuel Gregory, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and requested a psychiatric evaluation and suicide watch during his detention.
In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi called the case a grim example of how online hate can fuel dangerous real-world plots. She warned that extremist digital networks are becoming breeding grounds for terrorism aimed at children, families, and minority communities.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities explore the broader activities and influence of the Maniac Murder Cult.
A significant number of members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), affiliated with the PKK/YPG, have reportedly defected in Aleppo as Syrian secur...
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in Tehran and across at least 28 cities in a wave of anti-government demonstrations, now enter...
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing u...
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivit...
A series of statements by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has reignited debate over freedom of speech, the role of the Orthodox Church,...
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources reported a significant movement of U.S. military aircraft towards the Middle East in recent hours. Dozens of U.S. Air Force aerial refuelling tankers and heavy transport aircraft were observed heading eastwards, presumably to staging points in the region.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
Diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated as Japan slams China's export ban on dual-use goods. Markets have wobbled as fears grow over a potential rare earth embargo affecting global supply chains.
Two people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed at a recreation centre in Russia’s Perm region, Russian authorities and local media have said.
Iran’s chief justice has warned protesters there will be “no leniency for those who help the enemy against the Islamic Republic”, as rights groups reported a rising death toll during what observers describe as the country’s biggest wave of unrest in three years.
Türkiye’s UN envoy called on the international community on Thursday to maintain strong support for the elimination of Syria’s remaining chemical weapons, stressing that the task is both a legal obligation and a critical priority for regional security and humanitarian protection.
Georgia has said it will clarify the circumstances surrounding the U.S. seizure of a Russian‑flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic and is seeking information on its Georgian crew members.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said it may deploy additional federal agents to Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed regret on Thursday over the decision by the Trump administration to withdraw from 31 entities linked to the United Nations.
A significant number of members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), affiliated with the PKK/YPG, have reportedly defected in Aleppo as Syrian security forces prepare to deploy in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighbourhoods, Aleppo Governor Azzam Gharib said on Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment