Arrest of Akhmadzhon Kurbonov in Connection with Terrorist Attack
The Basmanny Court of Moscow has ordered the pretrial detention of Akhmadzhon Kurbonov, who is accused of orchestrating a terrorist attack that resulted in the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov. Kurbonov, who has been charged with multiple offenses including murder and illegal possession of explosives, faces a potential life sentence if convicted. The court's decision came after an explosion occurred on December 17 at an apartment building on Ryazansky Prospekt, killing both military officials.
During his arrest, Kurbonov reportedly confessed to being recruited by Ukrainian special services and claimed he received a homemade explosive device to carry out the attack. He allegedly monitored the entrance of the building from a rented vehicle, using a surveillance camera to relay live footage to his handlers in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. The Russian Investigative Committee stated that Kurbonov was promised a monetary reward of $100,000 and relocation to a European country for his involvement in the attack.
Background of the Suspect
Akhmadzhon Kurbonov, a 29-year-old Uzbek citizen, had been residing in Moscow for six months prior to his arrest. He lived in a hostel near the residential complex where the attack took place and worked as a courier. Neighbors described him as a quiet individual who paid his rent on time and did not engage much with others. His behavior was reportedly unremarkable, with no indications of conflict or intoxication during his stay.
Investigators revealed that Kurbonov had created a new social media account shortly before moving to the hostel, which may have been used to communicate with his alleged Ukrainian recruiters. His sudden disappearance around December 15, just days before the attack, raised suspicions among hostel staff, as he had always been punctual with payments.
Kurbonov's past includes a stint as a cook at a local restaurant, where he was known to be religious and friendly with his colleagues. However, the restaurant faced financial difficulties, leading to delays in salary payments and eventual closure. In early 2015, he returned to Uzbekistan, only to reappear in Moscow later on.
The FSB has vowed to pursue and punish all individuals involved in the planning and execution of the terrorist attack, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against Kurbonov.
