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.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
