The key facts
- The teenager was detained by the FSB on November 1 for threatening a terrorist attack at the Tsaritsyno museum-reserve
- He published materials in support of banned organizations and collected knives and airsoft weapons
- Criminal cases have been opened, including one for publicly justifying terrorism
What is known about the detainee
The schoolboy detained by FSB officers on November 1 for threatening to carry out a terrorist attack at the Tsaritsyno museum-reserve in Moscow was keen on weapons and took part in military-themed role-playing games. This was reported by Life.ru journalists citing the teenager's acquaintances. According to them, several years ago the young man moved to the capital from Belgorod Region, was an average student, and played the computer games Fortnite, Counter-Strike and Dota 2; acquaintances considered him an ordinary teenager and noticed nothing unusual in his behavior.
Hobbies and online posts
At the same time, on social media the schoolboy regularly published materials glorifying nationalist and terrorist groups banned in Russia. He collected knives and assembled airsoft weapons, including imitation assault rifles and shotguns. According to Baza, the teenager also organized a group for live-action role-playing games (LARP): participants dressed up as characters, used masks, protective goggles and military-style clothing, and the meetings were held at abandoned sites in western Moscow.
Grounds for detention and criminal cases
According to the FSB, before his detention the teenager posted photos on TikTok showing himself in tactical gear with an object resembling an automatic weapon, as well as pictures from Tsaritsyno captioned 'I found a place'. During a search of his home, law enforcement officers found pieces of tactical equipment, and on his phone a subscription to a neo-Nazi Telegram channel and numerous search queries about terrorist attacks and mass killings. Criminal cases have been opened against the minor, including one for publicly justifying terrorism. The FSB released video of the detention.
