Earlier today, Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national and leader of the Maniac Murder Cult, pleaded guilty at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to soliciting hate crimes and distributing instructions for making bombs and ricin. Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher,” was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York in May 2025.
Authorities stated that Chkhikvishvili recruited individuals to carry out violent acts supporting the group’s extremist ideology, including planning a mass casualty attack in New York City. The Maniac Murder Cult is described as an international racially motivated violent extremist organization.
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the case: “The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents. Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.”
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said: “The defendant has admitted his vile actions, including recruiting others to commit acts of violence against Jewish and racial minority children. His incitement of hate crimes resulted in real-world violence. This prosecution shows that our Office will protect all communities from evildoers like the defendant from wherever they spew their hate.”
Nocella acknowledged the efforts of multiple agencies involved in Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition, including the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force—comprising members from over 50 federal, state, and local agencies—the Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and Moldovan authorities.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg addressed Chkhikvishvili’s actions: “Chkhikvishvili’s monstrous plots and propaganda calling for racially motivated violence against civilians, including children, posed a grave threat to public safety. Unfortunately, his efforts on behalf of the aptly named Maniac Murder Cult in fact caused mayhem and death. We condemn his despicable ideology and will use every tool at our disposal to bring such predators to justice.”
Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI New York Field Office stated: “Michail Chkhikvishvili actively encouraged his recruits of his Maniac Murder Cult to incite mass violence targeted at Jewish individuals and other minorities, including orders to bomb Jewish facilities and poison Jewish children. His vile propensity for discriminatory violence sparked actual attacks and casualties not only in this country but across the globe. The FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force will not tolerate anyone to solicit unnecessary death and harm out of prejudice and hate.”
Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD added: “Michail Chkhikvishvili plotted extensive terrorist attacks targeting Jewish New Yorkers, including horrific plans to poison children. This wasn’t just violent behavior — it was extreme antisemitism rooted in Neo-Nazi ideology that put communities here and around the world at risk. All New Yorkers deserve a city where they can live free from fear, regardless of their religious identity, and this guilty plea makes one thing clear: The NYPD will never tolerate hate or bias-fueled violence in any form. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators, the FBI, the Justice Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for bringing Michail Chkhikvishvili to justice.”
According to court records:
- In June 2022 Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn.
- From July 2022 onward he used encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram to encourage violent acts on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult.
- He distributed a manifesto called “Hater’s Handbook” beginning September 2021 that urged readers toward mass violence.
- In November 2023 he solicited an undercover FBI employee (UC) via Telegram for attacks targeting minorities; by January 2024 he provided manuals on creating poisons such as ricin with plans specifically targeting Jewish schools and children.
Chkhikvishvili’s encouragement led directly or indirectly to violent incidents internationally:
- In January 2025 a student killed one person at Antioch High School in Nashville before dying by suicide; references were made online attributing motivation partly to Maniac Murder Cult with explicit mention of Chkhikvishvili.
- In August 2024 an individual stabbed several people outside a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey while wearing Nazi symbols; manifestos referenced both Chkhikvishvili statements and distributed his handbook.
Chkhikvishvili faces up to 40 years imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich from the National Security and Cybercrime Section with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher (National Security Division Counterterrorism Section) along with paralegal support.
Chkhikvishvili is identified as age 22 from Tbilisi, Georgia.
