Two Chechen teenagers suspected of preparing for warfare in Syria

In Chechnya, the criminal investigation was started in the case against two 17-year-old teenagers suspected of preparations to join an illegal armed formation (IAF) in Syria.

According to the preliminary investigation information, in January, the suspects organized fund rising to collect money for leaving Russia to join the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) acting on the territory of Syria.

"To raise money, the teenagers used the QIWI Wallet electronic payment system and create an account in it. Then, one of the teenagers posted on the social network 'VKontakte' the account details with a request for financial assistance in leaving for Syria to join the IAF and take part in the armed conflict. Thus, the teenagers managed to collect 13,000 roubles," states the press release posted on the website of the Investigating Department for the Chechen Republic of the Investigating Committee of the Russian Federation (ICRF) on April 15.

According to the ICRF's press release, the teenagers told their parents that they allegedly needed travelling passports and the papers confirming the parents' consent for their leaving the country to go to Turkey for sport training.

The criminal case was instituted against two minors under Part 1 of Article 205.1 (financing of terrorism), Part 1 of Article 30, and Part 2 of Article 208 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (preparation for joining in an illegal armed formation), the ICRF's website reports.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.