Investigation Summary

The involvement of the accused in the apartment bombings has been confirmed through:

• A photo-portrait examination, which established that the group photograph of militants available to the investigation depicts Gochiyayev and Khattab.
• Materials from radio intercepts of conversations between Khattab and the accused Krymshamkhalov, obtained from the UFSB for the Rostov Region and the KChR (Karachay-Cherkess Republic).

Investigative Measures Taken

To ensure completeness, comprehensiveness, and objectivity in the investigation, as established by Art. 20 of the RSFSR Code of Criminal Procedure, and to establish the accused's locations, the following actions were taken:

• 24 interrogations were conducted of witnesses from among the associates of the fugitives and members of illegal armed groups (NVF) extradited to Russia in October of last year by the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Georgia.
• During these interrogations, data were obtained regarding:
  • Gochiyayev's involvement in the commission of acts of terrorism in March 2001 on the territory of the KChR and the Stavropol Territory.
  • The possible current location of the accused in the Pankisi Gorge on the territory of the Republic of Georgia.
  • The residence of Gochiyayev's family in 2000-2001 in the city of Istanbul.

Further Findings

• The verification of the involvement of the accused A.Sh. Gochiyayev and Kh.M. Abaev in the creation of an NVF on the territory of the KChR, their participation in June 2001 in illegal arms trafficking, and attempts on the lives of police officers was completed.
• Criminal case No. 43644, charging the specified persons with these crimes, is being handled by the Prosecutor's Office of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic.
• By order of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation, further investigation of these facts will be carried out within the framework of criminal cases Nos. 103 and 43644 according to separately developed plans.
• Information regarding the involvement of the convicted B.A. Tsamaraev and V.N. Suryadnov in the transportation of explosives used in the apartment bombings to the city of Moscow was not confirmed during the conducted investigative actions and operational-search measures.

Summary of Investigation Volume

During the investigation period, the following activities were conducted:

• 1,296 interrogations of witnesses and victims.
• 76 identifications.
• 44 seizures.
• 254 inspections.
• 81 searches.
• 490 forensic examinations.

Despite the significant volume of work, the sought-after accused has not yet been detained.

FSB Approval for Further Investigation

The leadership of the FSB of Russia has approved an additional plan for the further investigation of criminal case No. 103, which provides for:

• Continuation of a complex of operational-search measures and investigative actions to establish the location of the accused sought in the case and their detention.
• Bringing to criminal responsibility the leader of Chechen extremists, Khattab, for organizing the bombings of residential buildings in Moscow in 1999, applying a preventive measure in the form of detention, and declaring him on Federal and international wanted lists.