Neo-Nazi Cult Leader Extradited To US Over Mass Violence Charges

Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national and leader of the neo-Nazi Maniac Murder Cult (MKY), was extradited from Moldova to the United States and arraigned in Brooklyn on multiple federal charges, including soliciting hate crimes and planning mass violence. Chkhikvishvili, also known as "Commander Butcher," allegedly orchestrated violent attacks worldwide and inspired the deadly Antioch High School shooting in Nashville, where a 17-year-old gunman killed a student before committing suicide. Prosecutors revealed Chkhikvishvili trained an undercover agent to carry out a mass poisoning targeting Jewish children and racial minorities, involving a plot to distribute poisoned candy while disguised as Santa Claus. The group promotes a neo-Nazi accelerationist ideology, disseminated via Telegram channels and a manifesto called the "Hater's Handbook," encouraging violence against Jews and other minorities. U.S. authorities emphasized ongoing investigations linking Chkhikvishvili to other international attacks, including a knife attack in Turkey and a murder in Romania, and highlighted the seriousness of the threat posed by MKY's recruitment and violent campaigns. The extradition and arraignment reflect coordinated efforts by the FBI and international partners to counter extremist violence and terrorism in the U.S.