Russian Authorities Claim Ukraines Involvement in Crocus City Hall Attack As Investigation Concludes

Russian law enforcement officials announced on Monday that they have concluded their investigation into the fatal concert hall attack near Moscow that occurred last year, asserting that it was executed “in the interests” of Ukraine.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the mass shooting on March 22, 2024, during which four assailants killed 149 individuals and injured 609 at Crocus City Hall. This attack resulted in damages estimated at 6 billion rubles (approximately $76.4 million).

Russia’s Investigative Committee, responsible for examining crimes, identified 19 alleged perpetrators, accomplices, and arms suppliers associated with ISIS-K, the Islamic State affiliate operating in Central and South Asia.

“This barbaric act was orchestrated and executed in the interests of the current Ukrainian leadership to destabilize the political climate in our nation,” stated investigators in a press release.

The Investigative Committee reiterated claims previously made by President Vladimir Putin, stating that the attackers tried to escape to Ukraine after the incident but were apprehended in Russia’s Bryansk region, close to the borders with Ukraine and Belarus. Ukrainian officials have consistently denied any involvement in the attack.

Russian investigators noted that the planning for the assault began several months prior. Allegedly, some suspects received training overseas, and weapons were reportedly altered and smuggled into Russia via the Dagestani port city of Kaspiysk.

An ongoing investigation continues regarding six other suspects, including two alleged masterminds, who are still at large and are being sought internationally. Authorities revealed in March that these individuals recruited the gunmen and organized their training outside Russia.

In a previous statement, the Investigative Committee accused the security services of an unspecified “unfriendly state” of planning and orchestrating the attack to create instability in Russia.