New York City, November 19, 2025
Michail Chkhikvishvishvili, a 22-year-old leader of a neo-Nazi extremist group, has pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and distributing bomb-making information in federal court. Prosecutors are seeking up to 18 years imprisonment. His group, known for violence against minorities, planned a mass casualty attack in New York City. The case underscores the ongoing threat of hate-fueled violence in society and the need for vigilant law enforcement and community awareness.
New York City, November 18, 2025 – Michail Chkhikvishvili, a 22-year-old leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, an international neo-Nazi extremist group, pleaded guilty in Brooklyn federal court to charges of soliciting hate crimes and distributing information on bomb-making and ricin production.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a sentence of up to 18 years for Chkhikvishvili, who is also known by several aliases, including “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher.” His group advocates for violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community, and other groups considered “undesirables.” The group has a documented history of promoting violent solicitations through Telegram channels and a manifesto known as the “Hater’s Handbook,” which has been tied to real-world violence. One such incident included a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, earlier this year that led to the death of a 16-year-old student.
In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to occur on New Year’s Eve. The plot involved recruiting an individual to disguise themselves as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to racial minorities and children at Jewish schools in Brooklyn. Chkhikvishvili provided detailed instructions on creating lethal poisons, including ricin, to an undercover FBI agent posing as a potential recruit. He was arrested in July after being extradited to the United States from Moldova.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) New York chapter has welcomed the guilty plea and emphasized the necessity for heightened efforts to combat violent ideologies. Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum of 50 years in prison for multiple charges, including conspiracy to solicit violent felonies, distributing bomb-making information, and making threatening communications.
Understanding Chkhikvishvili and His Actions
The Maniac Murder Cult is an extremist organization that promotes a neo-Nazi ideology. Chkhikvishvili’s actions and the group’s history highlight an ongoing threat posed by hate-driven violence against minorities. Law enforcement continues to work to prevent these types of violent plots.
Recent Legal Developments
Chkhikvishvili is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty. He faces serious consequences for his actions, which serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extremist groups in society.
Key Implications
The case underscores the need for vigilance against hate-fueled violence and reinforces the importance of effective law enforcement. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and report suspicious activities to help protect vulnerable groups.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Michail Chkhikvishvili?
- Michail Chkhikvishvili is a 22-year-old leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, an international neo-Nazi extremist group.
- What charges did Chkhikvishvili plead guilty to?
- Chkhikvishvili pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and distributing information on bomb-making and ricin production.
- What was the planned attack in New York City?
- The planned attack involved recruiting an individual to dress up as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to racial minorities and children at Jewish schools in Brooklyn.
- What is the “Hater’s Handbook”?
- The “Hater’s Handbook” is a manifesto distributed by Chkhikvishvili’s group, promoting violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community, and other groups deemed “undesirables.”
- What is the maximum sentence Chkhikvishvili faces?
- Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum of 50 years in prison for the charges against him.
- What is the “Maniac Murder Cult”?
- The “Maniac Murder Cult” is an international neo-Nazi extremist group that promotes violence against racial minorities, the Jewish community, and other groups deemed “undesirables.”
- What is the significance of the CAIR-NY’s statement?
- The CAIR-NY chapter welcomed the guilty plea, emphasizing the severity of the plot and calling for increased efforts to combat violent ideologies targeting minority communities.
- What is ricin?
- Ricin is a highly toxic protein that can be extracted from castor beans and used as a poison.
- How did Chkhikvishvili communicate his plans?
- Chkhikvishvili communicated his plans primarily through encrypted messaging applications, including Telegram, and provided detailed instructions to an undercover FBI agent posing as a recruit.
- What is the current status of the case?
- As of November 18, 2025, Chkhikvishvili pleaded guilty, and federal prosecutors are seeking a sentence of up to 18 years.
- What is the significance of this case?
- This case highlights the ongoing threat of extremist groups and the importance of law enforcement efforts to prevent violent acts targeting minority communities.
- What are the next steps in the legal process?
- The next steps include sentencing, where Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum of 50 years in prison for the charges against him.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Accused | Michail Chkhikvishvili |
| Group | Maniac Murder Cult |
| Charges | Soliciting hate crimes, bomb-making information |
| Planned Attack | Poisoned candy distribution on New Year’s Eve |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 50 years in prison |
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