FSB recruiting former ISIS militants and attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian battalions – media reports
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Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) is recruiting former militants of the Islamic State or ISIS terrorist organization and attempting to introduce them into Ukrainian battalions, Russian publication Meduza reported on May 16.
The investigation focuses on the story of Baurzhan Kultanov, an ISIS terrorist who became “disenchanted” with the militants and sought refuge in Istanbul in 2014, where he applied for political asylum from the United Nations, without revealing his past.
However, when information about his terrorist background came to light, Kultanov was arrested.
He was charged in Russia and subsequently brought back from Turkey to face the charges in 2015.
Upon arrival, Kultanov was personally met at the airport by FSB Captain Alexander Gushchin, who was leading the criminal case against him.
On the first day, Kultanov signed a confession, and surprisingly, one of the FSB officers involved in the case, Alexander Pisaryov, treated the terrorist with leniency.
The case proceeded under special procedures, resulting in Kultanov receiving a sentence of just over four years in prison.
The day before the verdict, Captain Gushchin approached Kultanov for the first time to discuss the possibility of cooperation with the FSB.
“We will give you the minimum sentence, and once you are released, we will recruit you as an agent,” Kultanov said, relating the words of his future handler.
The investigation reveals that the cooperation between Kultanov and the FSB began while he was still in prison.
“I provided Gushchin with protocols and false testimonies. Under the orders of the FSB, I even appeared on television,” recalled Kultanov.
Often, the operatives showed Kultanov photographs of unfamiliar individuals whom he was expected to “identify” as militants.
Kultanov was released in 2019, and the FSB allowed him to disregard administrative supervision. Instead, Gushchin informed the agent about his first “assignment” — in Ukraine.
In 2019, preparations began to integrate Kultanov into “Chechen groups and Tatar battalions who want to fight for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” The FSB wanted to obtain “full information” about the logistics and personnel of these units.
According to Kultanov, the FSB “decided not to bother” with cover stories.
“No need to make up anything: your story and combat experience speak for themselves,” Baurzhan recounted Gushchin’s explanation.
“You are indeed a terrorist, a Muslim, who stayed with us. Just tell them that you don’t like Russia and the FSB and that you want to help. They will take you with open arms.”
Kultanov admitted to finding it challenging to comprehend the detailed instructions.
“To be honest, I didn’t even remember all those Ukrainian tricks. I’ve never been there, so it’s hard to remember when you don’t know the ins and outs,” he said.
Meduza reported that they have also obtained information about another FSB attempt to recruit a former militant. Karim, a native of Dagestan who fought in ISIS and belonged to the same jamaat or Islamic council as Kultanov, also served time upon returning to his homeland.
According to Karim, the FSB continually shows interest in Russians who go to “assist in the fight” alongside Ukrainian forces.
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