Alleged “Maniac Murder Cult” Leader Accused of Poisoning Plot Against NYC Children

Suspect Arrested in Moldova

Michail Chkhikvishvili, 20, who is allegedly the leader of a violent extremist group known as the “Maniac Murder Cult,” has been arrested in Moldova on charges of planning a mass poisoning attack targeting children and minorities in New York City. The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York reports that the international group led by Chkhikvishvili is driven by racial and ethnic hatred.

An Extensive History of Hate

During his stay with a relative in Brooklyn in 2022, Chkhikvishvili reportedly began using encrypted mobile messaging platforms to incite others to commit violent hate crimes. Any hate crimes he might have carried out while in the US have not been substantiated yet.

Infiltrated by Undercover Operative

Undercovers from law enforcement entered Chkhikvishvili’s encrypted messaging platforms posing as potential recruits for his extremist group. As from November 2023, Chkhikvishvili was allegedly instructing this undercover operative to commit acts of mass violence targeted against racial minorities and Jewish people. He also provided detailed instructions on making bombs and Molotov cocktails.

Plot on New Year’s Eve

The report further reveals that in November of 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning an attack for New Year’s Eve in New York City. He wanted to deploy someone dressed as Santa Claus to distribute candies laced with poison to children belonging to racial minorities and students at Jewish schools in Brooklyn.

Indictment Charges

Chkhikvishvili also educated the undercover agent on the production of ricin-based poisons, along with other lethal poisons and gases. Subsequently, he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn on charges of soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence in New York City. The four-count indictment came as a significant step forward in halting the wave of violent extremism.