Leader of White Supremacist Group Pleads Guilty to Hate Crimes

Michail Chkhikvishvili, a Georgian national, pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions to make bombs and ricin. He was the leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated violent extremist group.

According to the indictment, Chkhikvishvili recruited people to commit violent acts in furtherance of Maniac Murder Cult’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City. He even planned to poison children with candy around the holidays.

“The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.”

“With today’s guilty plea, this defendant admits to a horrific plot targeting Jewish people and racial minorities and even planned to poison children with candy around the holidays,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The defendant was extradited from Moldova to face charges. This case shows once more that no matter where you are, if you try to harm our citizens the FBI and our partners will find you and bring you to justice.”

Chkhikvishvili distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to Maniac Murder Cult members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence. For example, the Hater’s Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings.

“Chkhikvishvili’s monstrous plots and propaganda calling for racially motivated violence against civilians, including children, posed a grave threat to public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg. “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.”

The case highlights the ongoing threat of violent, nihilistic, racist groups and the importance of vigilance in protecting American citizens. Chkhikvishvili’s actions resulted in multiple attacks and killings around the world, including a mass shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee, in January 2025.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Sokoff's Web of Deceit Unravels in Maryland Court

Jul 1, 2015

Violent Crime

Johnson, High-Stakes Embezzlement, Maryland 2024

Jul 1, 2017

Violent Crime

Mark Schmidt, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, South Dakota 2019

Apr 12, 2019

Violent Crime

Reyescalderon Charged with Violent Crime, Maryland, 2014

Sep 25, 2014