(MENAFN) The suspects involved in the March 2024 terrorist attack at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall, which resulted in 149 deaths, have told Russian investigators that the attack was ordered by a Ukrainian state entity, according to Russian media reports citing interrogation transcripts.

The four gunmen opened fire inside the concert venue and set it on fire, killing 149 people and injuring over 600. They were caught hours later while trying to flee by car toward Ukraine, according to Russian authorities.

The regional Islamic State affiliate ISIS-K immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The accused—Dalerdhzon Mirzoyev, Saidokrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsiddin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Faizov—are Tajikistani nationals.

Case files quoted by the media say the suspects admitted that a Ukrainian government entity ordered the operation, with ISIS-K acting as the direct organizer. They also claimed that the weapons used were supplied from Ukraine.

RIA Novosti reported that one suspect, Rachabalizoda, stated their handler, known as ‘Saifullo,’ instructed them to escape to Kiev and promised each about $13,000. The suspects also alleged that handlers were based in Turkey and Afghanistan.

According to TASS, one suspect said the plan was to make the operation appear as solely orchestrated by ISIS-K.

Ukraine has denied any involvement in the Crocus City Hall attack but has acknowledged conducting targeted assassinations and sabotage inside Russia, including a recent train derailment that killed five and injured over 100.

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