08.03.2024
4 min
1139
An in-depth OSINT investigation was conducted, which resulted in the identification of nine militants of the so-called “Akhmat” unit, who participated in the war against Ukraine. The identification is based on photo and video materials, including symbols on uniforms, appearance and activity in social networks. The material presents evidence indicating their presence in the temporarily occupied territories and participation in armed crimes.
Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov publicly criticized the Akhmat unit, accusing it of incompetence. This statement caused a wave of indignation among Ramzan Kadyrov’s supporters, after which Solovyov quickly recorded a video apology.
Soon after, an SD card with photos allegedly showing Russian servicemen appeared in the public domain. This material collects key data for the identification of these individuals.
One of the easiest ways to determine which unit a soldier belongs to is by analyzing their chevrons. Several images of Russian soldiers clearly show both the chevrons themselves and the vehicles used by the soldiers. Using image searches, it was possible to determine which formation these individuals belonged to.
The octagonal emblems seem to indicate affiliation with “Akhmat”. Code 21 indicates that the car was registered in the Southern Military District (Russian: Южный военный округ), which from 1992 to 2010 was the North Caucasus Military District.
The low quality of the images significantly complicated the recognition process. Some of the chevrons could have been made independently or modified, but the general design elements suggest belonging to the “Akhmat” formation. At the same time, it is not always possible to accurately determine a specific battalion, since the chevrons may differ slightly from each other. For example, the white frame under the image of a man in a cap resembling Kadyrov resembles a chevron with the inscription “Akhmat-West”, while in other units this part looks different.
The members of the “Akhmat” unit were identified through an analysis of their profiles on Russian social networks. Photos, contact details, and other information confirming their affiliation with the unit were collected.
Born on March 5, 1999. Presumably, he serves in the “Akhmat” unit. In the Russian social network VK, he indicates his place of residence as Grozny. In the social network OK, he was tagged in one of the photos of the “Akhmat” unit.
Born on 06/16/1995. The photo was identified using image analysis software. Valid’s email address is [email protected]. His account is in VK. Phone numbers are +79304199434, +79496049279, +79640744402
During the analysis of the images, two individuals with similar features were found. One of them is presumably Khusein Akhmadov, born in 2001. Judging by the available information, he may be associated with the special forces of one of the units, which bears the name of A.A. Kadyrov, and probably belongs to structures associated with the GRU.
The other person is probably Yusup Kupchiyev, who also published photos of himself in military uniform on social networks with the inscription “A.A. Kadyrov’s Special Regiment”.
At the end of 2024, he posted a photo on the Russian social network VK against the background of a car with a visible license plate belonging to the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. The Russian’s social networks are VK, OK (probably). Email address is [email protected]. Phone number is +79317774776
Date of birth: January 7, 1998. Associated with the “Akhmat” formation. Active in Russian social networks, has several profiles — including pages in VK and OK. Two contact numbers are known: +7 963 984 08 36 and +7 995 807 70 14. His father is presumably Mustap Betmurzaev, who is also present on social networks. One of the profiles has preserved photos in military uniform, dated July 2022.
Presumably, this is Giorgi Mikelashvili. Born on 01.02.1996. Registered on the Russian social network OK. In 2014, he published a photo in which he is in military uniform, probably on training.
This is probably Tataev Salman. Born 06/16/1992. “Zapad Akhmat”. His profile in OK.
Presumably, this is Nokhcho Mohammad, born in 1975 (September 9). He is associated with the “Zapad Akhmat” unit. In December 2022, on his page on the Russian social network OK, he published a photo in the uniform of the Russian Armed Forces, holding a machine gun.
Presumably, this is Zaur Akhmed, born on April 22, 1975. He is associated with the “West Akhmat” unit and has a profile on the OK social network.
The so-called “Akhmat” formation is part of the Russian Guard and is under the control of Ramzan Kadyrov. It is named after Akhmat Kadyrov, the father of the current leader of Chechnya. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russian units with this name have been participating in hostilities against Ukraine. At the same time, they are more known for their propaganda activity than for their real combat achievements.
Some military observers and journalists call this formation the “TikTok troops” because of its excessive demonstrativeness and poor effectiveness on the front line. There is evidence that this unit performs the functions of a blocking detachment – it controls other Russian forces and blocks attempts to retreat. There are known cases when its fighters forced other Russian soldiers to attack by force.
However, despite this reputation, it remains an adversary who came with war, and should not be underestimated.
