Article for Publication in "Novaya Gazeta"

This document is a printout of an article prepared for publication in "Novaya Gazeta".

Incident Background

The article details an event that occurred on Monday, September 13th, the day of mourning for victims of the explosions in Buynaksk, on Manezhnaya and Guryanova streets, and the explosion on Kashirka.

The core of the report concerns information provided to Vyacheslav Izmailov by one of the terrorists.

The Informant's Contact

• The terrorist approached Izmailov at the editorial office to report planned terrorist attacks in St. Petersburg and Rostov.
• This contact occurred before the explosion on Guryanova Street.
• The informant promised to call, and he did so after the explosion.

Initial Reception of Information

• The information received, despite being sensational, was initially met with skepticism.
• Izmailov was not believed at the time.
• Even the special services were hesitant, leading "Novaya Gazeta" to publish the information, as they felt it was necessary to inform their readers.
• The informant subsequently disappeared.

The Anonymous Note

The article raises the question of the informant's identity and why he specifically approached Vyacheslav Yakovlevich, leaving a note despite extreme fear:

"Comrade Major. Your acquaintance Alexander K. is writing to you. On August 24, a group of terrorists consisting of 10 people (leader Turpal Kharakharoev) left Chechnya. The explosions in Moscow are their doing. Ten explosions are being prepared. I fear the FSB. I trust you."

Subsequent Meetings and Details

• Izmailov first heard of Alexander four years prior. He knew Alexander served as a warrant officer in Chechnya, was captured by militants, and subsequently joined their side. Izmailov had met him previously while negotiating the exchange of hostages held by Basaev.
• After the Guryanova explosion, Alexander called, and Izmailov agreed to meet him at the Griboedov monument (located on Chistye Prudy, near the editorial office).
• During their 30-minute walk, Alexander provided details about the next planned explosion:
  • District: Pechatniki.
  • Proximity: Near a women's prison.
  • Terrorist Composition: Mostly Slavs, Ukrainians, and Russians who defected to the militants.
  • Affiliations: Two individuals from UNA-UNSO.
  • Logistics: Groups (ten people each) arrived in Moscow and St. Petersburg; they rented separate apartments and received weapons and explosives in the city.
  • Command Structure: The group leader communicates the decision to the direct perpetrators no earlier than half an hour before the operation begins.

Analysis and Conclusion

• Speculation: It is possible the explosion of the house on Kashirka (near a women's prison) could have been prevented, but the public likely should have been warned immediately.
• Official Response: The special services reportedly wanted to verify the information, and the public only learned about Alexander on Monday morning (the explosion occurred at night).
• Current Status: The special services remain reluctant to confirm the information provided to Izmailov.
• Second Contact: It is suggested that RUOP allowed Alexander to escape initially, leading to a second meeting where Izmailov handed him over to the FSB.
• Doubt: The author questions the motives behind the special services' suspicious behavior and the lack of coordination within those services.
• Final Assessment: The author expresses pessimism, stating there is "no glimmer of hope" that the true perpetrators will ever be found, concluding that the public must rely on themselves for protection.

Document prepared for Novaya Gazeta.
Date of Event Focus: September 13th.
Key Figures: Vyacheslav Izmailov, Alexander K., **Turpal Kharakharoev.
Locations Mentioned: Buynaksk, Guryanova Street, Kashirka, St. Petersburg, Rostov.
Agencies Involved: FSB, **RUOP.
Key Dates: August 24 (departure from Chechnya).