Federal prosecutors have revealed alarming details regarding a neo-Nazi plot involving poisoned candy aimed at children. Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 22-year-old from Georgia, is the leader of the Maniac Murder Cult. He recently pled guilty in Brooklyn to orchestrating hate crimes against minorities.
Plea Agreement and Charges
Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Commander Butcher,” faces a possible sentence of up to 18 years in prison. He admitted to soliciting violent acts and sharing information on creating weapons and toxic substances like ricin.
Violent Ideology and Recruitment Attempts
The Maniac Murder Cult promotes extremist ideologies that endorse violence against racial and religious groups. Prosecutors highlighted that Chkhikvishvili used platforms like Telegram to disseminate harmful content, including a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook.”
This disturbing ideology has reportedly fueled real-life acts of violence. Notably, it is believed to have inspired a school shooting in Nashville earlier this year that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old student.
Details of the Poisoned Candy Plot
Chkhikvishvili’s plans escalated when he attempted to recruit others for violent attacks. During an interaction with an undercover FBI agent in 2023, he detailed schemes that included dressing as Santa Claus to distribute poisoned candy. Initially aimed at racial minorities, the plot later shifted to targeting children at Jewish schools in Brooklyn.
Background and Arrest
- Chkhikvishvishvili was arrested in Moldova in July 2024.
- He was extradited to the United States in May 2024.
- Since 2022, he made several trips to Brooklyn and bragged about violent acts.
Prosecutors noted that he expressed his belief that the U.S. had “big potential” for mass casualty attacks due to its accessible firearms. He also suggested targeting vulnerable populations, including the homeless.
This case highlights the critical need for vigilance against extremist groups and their dangerous ideologies, especially as they seek to recruit and plan violent operations.
