Criminal groups in Russia will be eliminated – Andrey Popov on detention of Azerbaijani citizen

Speaking with Alpha News, Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Andrey Popov, a member of the Alpha Anti-Terrorist Group Association, commented on the detention of an Azerbaijani citizen in Stavropol Krai, suspected of planning terrorist attacks under orders from Kiev.

“Whenever external threats intensify, internal criminal groups—especially ethnic ones—tend to become more active. We saw this happen in the 1990s. To some extent, criminal groups, not all, but ethnic ones, perceived the situation with the Special Military Operation as a chance, when they can at least strengthen their positions. And I suspect that they did not even perceive, but carried out the order of Western intelligence services. Among the most active in this ethnic surge in criminal activity are Azerbaijani groups. We must understand that Azerbaijan has a serious economic base here. Of course, not all Azerbaijanis are connected with criminal activity, but many have to be connected with it. We must understand that all ethnic groups, without exception, are connected with the intelligence services of their countries of origin,” Popov said.

According to the expert, ethnic-based criminal groups in Russia will be eliminated in the very near future.

“Now order will be restored. The directive has been issued, and comprehensive documentation on these groups has been compiled. The political will is evident, it exists. And I am sure that in the very near future ethnic-based criminal groups in Russia will be dealt with in the most severe and resolute manner,” Popov concluded.