In Moscow's Shadows In Moscow's Shadows 230: The Rise and Fall of a Chechen Gang
Jan 4, 2026
The podcast dives into the notorious Chechen Lazanskaya Brigada, revealing how student life morphed into street crime in Moscow. It explores their brutal tactics, including kidnappings and clashes with rival gangs, while examining their ties to Russian oligarchs and security services. The discussion also highlights the gang's decline amid the Chechen wars and the ramifications of an unstable Kadyrov. Furthermore, it warns of potential international repercussions from modern Chechen operations, making the past relevant for today’s geopolitical landscape.
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Origins In Moscow Student Circles
- Khos Akhmed Nukhaev and Mavladi Atlangeriev built a Chechen criminal network from student life in late-1970s Moscow.
- Their early targeting of foreign students exploited victims who could not safely report crimes.
Preying On Foreign Students
- The gang burgled and extorted foreign students who traded in scarce goods and hard currency.
- Victims rarely reported thefts because they themselves were involved in illicit trading or black markets.
Collapse Fuelled A Crime Bonanza
- The late-1980s collapse and cooperative boom created unprecedented opportunities for organised crime.
- Corruption and new private cooperatives let gangs launder money and expand protection rackets rapidly.
