The individuals in custody are suspected to have aided the perpetrators of the fatal assault on a Moscow concert venue. They are the most recent Tajik nationals detained in connection to the attack attributed to ISIS-K.

Nine individuals have been apprehended by Tajikistan’s state security service on suspicion of having contact with the perpetrators of the recent attack by gunmen on a suburban Moscow concert hall, which resulted in the tragic loss of 144 lives, as reported by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti on Friday.

The agency stated, citing information from an unnamed source within Tajikistan’s special services, that nine residents of the Vakhdat district were detained for their alleged involvement with the individuals responsible for the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall on March 22. It was further mentioned that Russian security forces collaborated in the operation to apprehend the suspects.

Additionally, those detained are believed to have connections with the Islamic State group, according to RIA Novosti's report.

On Thursday, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced the detention of another suspect connected to the raid on Crocus City Hall, suspected of involvement in financing the attack. However, no further details regarding the suspect's identity or alleged actions were provided.

Earlier statements from Russian officials indicated that a total of 11 suspects had been apprehended, with four allegedly directly involved in carrying out the attack. These four individuals, identified as Tajik nationals, were brought before a Moscow court on terrorism charges last Sunday, displaying visible signs of severe beatings. During the court proceedings, one of the suspects appeared to be barely conscious.

While a faction of the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the massacre, Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have consistently asserted—albeit without presenting evidence—that Ukraine and Western powers played a role in the attack.

The statement from the Investigative Committee asserted that they have "confirmed data" indicating that the individuals behind the terrorist attack received substantial sums of money and cryptocurrency from Ukraine, which were allegedly used in planning the crime.

Ukraine has vehemently denied any involvement, with its officials asserting that Moscow is using these allegations as a pretext to escalate its conflict in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the raid continues to climb. According to Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko, the number of fatalities reached 144 on Friday, following the death of a severely injured victim in a hospital.