Russia to Prosecute Over 300 Citizens for Participating in Terrorist Groups

Vice deputy for the Russia’s Interior Ministry’s anti-extremism department said that Russia has launched more than 300 criminal cases against Russian citizens accused of participating in international terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia has launched more than 300 criminal cases against Russian citizens accused of participating in international terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State (ISIL), a vice deputy for the country's Interior Ministry's anti-extremism department said Monday.

"There are currently criminal cases launched against 300 individuals," Vladimir Makarov said.

From 800 to 1,700 Russian nationals are estimated to be fighting under the IS banner, according to various reports.

The IS are currently in control of large parts of Syria and Iraq, where the jihadist group declared the establishment of an Islamic caliphate.

IS affiliates also operate in North Africa, Yemen, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to the US National Counterterrorism Center, the IS group has attracted at least 20,000 foreign fighters to join the jihadist cause.

Last week Russia froze around 3,500 individual accounts that are suspected of being involved in terrorism and launched 62 criminal cases over financing terrorism.

In early February, Russia submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, aimed at cutting off finance to the Islamic State and Nusrah Front militant groups, operating in Syria and Iraq.