The Russian Federal Security Service reported actions against a high-ranking ISIS organizer who allegedly planned terrorist attacks in the Moscow region and in Novosibirsk. The disclosure was issued by TASS on Monday, April 17.
The FSB confirmed that Nazarov TM, a Tajikistani national born in 1989, who reportedly supported the Islamic State, had been active within Russia. Officials indicated that Nazarov TM established a terrorist cell in the Moscow region and in Novosibirsk with the intent to orchestrate sabotage and mass-casualty attacks using improvised explosives. The press service noted that targets included critical infrastructure such as Russian Railways facilities.
The terrorist cell dismantled
In the agency’s release, Nazarov TM allegedly recruited Tajik nationals to join the ISIS cell and supervised the illicit production, procurement, and stockpiling of explosive devices, firearms, and ammunition. Authorities stated that collaboration with international partners enabled the Russian FSB to locate and detain Nazarov TM, who was ultimately transferred from the Syrian Arab Republic to Russia.
Terrorists who were part of the cell during the operation were captured and are facing trial. Investigators described the disruption of the cell as a decisive outcome, with substantial evidence gathered to establish Nazarov TM’s guilt.
By a decision of the Western District Military Court, Nazarov TM was convicted on 21 counts under three articles of the Russian Criminal Code. He received a life sentence and a fine of 1.5 million rubles.
Suppressing ISIS supporters
On February 13, 2023, the FSB reported the suppression of ISIS activities in the Sverdlovsk region by a regional operative who was identified as a Central Asian native. The person had previously served time in a Sverdlovsk colony for a crime involving a minor’s sexual integrity. While imprisoned, the convict used the internet to issue calls for terrorist acts, and authorities recovered a smartphone concealed in a closet during a search.
A criminal case was initiated under Part 2 of Article 205.2 of the Russian Criminal Code, and the individual was found guilty. The sentence imposed was 12 years in a strict-regime penal colony, along with a ban on managing websites and online channels.
On February 17, the FSB announced a thwarted planned attack in the Kaluga region attributed to ISIS followers from Central Asian republics. Then, on April 7, the Samara Central District Military Court sentenced a resident of Naberezhnye Chelny, born in 1994, to 11 years in prison for aiding ISIS and supporting terrorist activities.