Lauge Risom Koch 
Russian security services have reportedly detained prominent Muslim figures after warnings that Islamist groups could seek influence in Moscow during a future political crisis.
Russian security services have reportedly launched raids targeting prominent Muslim figures amid rising concern inside the Kremlin over political instability and radical influence.
The crackdown follows inflammatory remarks from a former Chechen official who claimed Moscow’s Muslim population could become a decisive force in a future collapse of Vladimir Putin’s rule.
Security crackdown
According to The Daily Express, Russian authorities detained several senior Islamic figures during coordinated raids in Moscow, St Petersburg, Mordovia and Saratov.
Among those reportedly arrested was Rail-Khazrat Asainov, acting mufti of Mordovia, while former Karelia mufti Visam Ali Bardvil was jailed for 15 days following an incident at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.
Other detainees reportedly included clerics from St Petersburg and the Saratov region.
The arrests are believed to be linked to comments made by former Chechen deputy prime minister Ruslan Kutayev.
Kremlin fears
Kutayev reportedly claimed that Moscow’s Muslim population would become a powerful force if Putin’s government weakened.
“We will control Moscow,” he said. “At the right moment, we will act.”
According to The Daily Express, his remarks triggered alarm among nationalist and pro-war Russian commentators, who demanded investigations into Muslim organisations linked to the Kremlin.
The outlet reported that Russian security services later intensified scrutiny of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, known as DUM.
Extremism concerns
Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels claimed investigators were examining possible links between detained clerics, foreign organisations and the Muslim Brotherhood.
Russia classifies the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.
According to The Daily Express, the latest operation marks a shift in Moscow’s approach toward sections of the Islamic establishment that had previously supported Putin and the war in Ukraine.
Russian authorities have also previously labelled certain Islamic publications linked to DUM as extremist material.
Rising tensions
The raids come amid wider concerns inside the Kremlin over changing demographics and the growing political visibility of Russia’s Muslim population.
Kutayev also suggested future unrest could involve direct street mobilisation in Moscow, reports The Daily Express.
“We are people who, if necessary, will cut off heads, demolish buildings and go to the barricades,” he said.
The comments have intensified debate within Russia over internal security and the long-term stability of Putin’s rule.
Sources: The Daily Express
