A 22-year-old Georgian national, Michail Chkhikvishvili, the leader of a neo-Nazi 'murder cult,' has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for plotting to poison Jewish children in New York. He pleaded guilty in November to soliciting hate crimes and acts of mass violence, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Details of the Plot
Chkhikvishvili, who called himself 'Commander Butcher,' headed the 'Maniac Murder Cult' (MYK), described as an international racially motivated violent extremist group. The group adheres to neo-Nazi ideology and promotes violence against racial minorities, Jews, and other groups deemed 'undesirables.'
Prosecutors revealed that Chkhikvishvili attempted to recruit an undercover FBI agent to dress as Santa Claus and distribute poisoned candy to minority children. The plot initially targeted racial minorities in New York City on New Year's Eve 2023, but later shifted to specifically targeting Jewish children. He provided the agent with detailed manuals on creating lethal poisons, including ricin.
Extremist Activities
Since September 2021, Chkhikvishvili distributed a manifesto titled the 'Hater’s Handbook,' which encouraged mass violence, including school shootings. He claimed to have 'murdered for the white race.' In June 2022, he traveled to Brooklyn and used Telegram to incite violent hate crimes. He also solicited bombings and arson from the undercover agent.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg stated, 'Chkhikvishvili repeatedly called for the murder of innocent civilians, including children, and schemed to attack Jewish communities and racial minorities.' NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch added, 'His intentions were clear: harm and kill as many Jews and racial groups as possible. Thanks to investigators, he is now off our streets.'
Chkhikvishvili was arrested in Moldova in summer 2024 and extradited to the U.S. in May 2025. He was sentenced in a New York federal court.
