Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case against an AFU mercenary from Georgia

The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case against Georgian citizen Mikhail Baturin on suspicion of committing a terrorist act and mercenarism in absentia. This was reported by the agency in its Telegram channel on Monday, November 17.

"The investigation established that Baturin for a long time engaged in training mercenaries and personally takes direct participation in the armed conflict as a mercenary on the territory of the Russian Federation", - stated in the message.

It is also noted that the figure together with other representatives of mercenary formations in September 2024 illegally crossed the Russian border in the Kursk region, using automatic and large-caliber weapons, explosives and military equipment.

"After the invasion, pursuing the goal of intimidating the population, causing significant property damage and destabilizing the activities of the authorities, they committed criminal acts against civilians," the agency said in a statement.

The investigation establishes the whereabouts of Baturin and other accomplices. It is specified that the investigation will establish the circumstances of the crimes.

Earlier, on November 6, the Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) sentenced in absentia 39-year-old mercenary from the United States Troy Offenbecker to 14 years in prison in the case of participation in the armed conflict on the side of the Ukrainian army.

Offenbecker was found guilty under part 3 of Article 359 of the Russian Criminal Code ("Participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict").

The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.