Leader of Extremist Group Sentenced to 15 Years for Hate Crimes and Terrorist Activities
A Georgian national, Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as "Commander Butcher," has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for soliciting hate crimes and distributing bomb-making and ricin instructions. Chkhikvishvili is a leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, an international extremist group promoting racially motivated violence. He recruited individuals to carry out violent acts in line with the group's ideologies, including planning a mass casualty attack in New York City. Chkhikvishvili was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York and pleaded guilty in November 2025.
The sentencing was announced by various law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the defendant's intent to harm children in the Jewish and minority communities of New York City. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement prevented his plans from materializing, and he will now face the consequences of his actions. The sentence serves as a warning to extremists spreading fear through violence that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Chkhikvishvili's actions included calling for the murder of innocent civilians, planning attacks on Jewish communities and minorities, and attempting to recruit individuals to carry out violent acts. His arrest and sentencing aim to protect communities from his hateful intentions and send a clear message that such violence will not be tolerated. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force played a crucial role in investigating and apprehending Chkhikvishvili, with support from various agencies and international partners.
As a leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, Chkhikvishvili promoted violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community, and other targeted groups. He distributed a manifesto encouraging mass violence and actively solicited individuals to commit hate crimes on behalf of the group. His plans included orchestrating a mass casualty attack in New York City, targeting Jewish schools and children with poisoned candy. Chkhikvishvili provided detailed instructions on creating lethal poisons and gases, such as ricin.
The case is being handled by the National Security and Cybercrime Section of the Eastern District of New York. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials are working together to ensure accountability for Chkhikvishvili's actions and prevent further harm to communities. The sentencing of Chkhikvishvili serves as a reminder that hate-fueled violence will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held responsible for their crimes.