Russian authorities say foreign intelligence responsible for Crocus City Hall terror attack

The terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall last year was orchestrated by the intelligence services of an unfriendly state in an attempt to destabilize Russia, according to the Russian Investigative Committee (SK), Report informs via Interfax.

"Based on the collected evidence, investigators have determined that the attack was planned and executed by foreign intelligence services. Members of an international terrorist organization were recruited to carry out the operation," Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko said in a statement.

According to the information, six Central Asian nationals were behind the attack, some using aliases. They remain at large abroad, have been arrested in absentia, and are now internationally wanted, Petrenko said.

Nineteen suspects have been formally charged and remain in custody.

Authorities reconstructed the attack timeline, from planning to execution, including the suspects’ failed escape attempt.

"The gathered evidence strongly confirms the suspects' involvement," Petrenko added.

On March 22 of last year, four terrorists opened fire on concertgoers attending a Piknik band performance before setting the venue ablaze. The assault left 145 dead and over 550 injured.

Emin Agalarov, president of Agalarov Development and son of Crocus Group owner Araz Agalarov, estimated the financial damage to the company at $150–200 million.

The investigation remains ongoing, with additional suspects now on international watchlists.