Russia arrests wave of muftis in suspected campaign against Muslim leadership

In May 2025, Russian authorities detained numerous muftis and Muslim religious figures across multiple regions on charges ranging from bribery to terrorism. Political analysts and independent journalists believe the arrests are part of a coordinated campaign by security forces against the Council of Muftis of Russia and its leader, Ravil Gainutdin.

A wave of arrests targeting Muslim religious leaders has swept across Russia in May 2025, with muftis and Islamic community figures detained in multiple regions on a wide range of charges. Some of those arrested face accusations of cooperating with the Muslim Brotherhood, which Russian authorities have designated a terrorist organization.

A Pattern of Targeted Arrests

Political scientists specializing in Islamic affairs, independent journalists, and even pro-Kremlin bloggers have drawn attention to the unusually broad scope of the crackdown. Analysts argue that the arrests are not isolated cases but rather a deliberate campaign by Russian security services targeting the Council of Muftis of Russia (CMR) and its chairman, Ravil Gainutdin.

Gainutdin has led the Council of Muftis of Russia for decades and represents one of the country's most prominent Muslim institutions. The organization oversees Muslim communities across dozens of Russian regions, making it a significant religious and political actor in a country where Islam is the second-largest religion.

Security Services vs. Muslim Institutions

The charges leveled against those detained vary widely — from bribery and corruption to the more serious accusation of ties to terrorist organizations. The terrorism-related charges specifically reference alleged cooperation with the Muslim Brotherhood, a charge that Russian courts have previously used to target Islamic activists and organizations deemed politically inconvenient.

Experts note that the timing and geographic spread of the arrests suggest central coordination rather than regional law enforcement initiatives. The pattern fits a broader trend of Russian security structures seeking to tighten control over religious institutions, particularly those with independent leadership structures capable of mobilizing large communities.