Core of Aum Shinrikyo Sect Includes Former Guards

Itar-Tass, February 25, 2000

TOKYO, February 25, 2000 (Itar-Tass) - The core of Aum Shinrikyo sect illegally operating in Russia now consists of four secret groups numbering of some 200 people. They broke off contacts with their families and obey rigid discipline. Itar-Tass learnt this on Friday from well-informed sources in Tokyo connected with investigation bodies.

According to their information, four Aum Shinrikyo groups in Russia are headed by monks of a high rank who are known only by their pseudonyms. One of them had been a member of the militarized wing of Aum Shinrikyo chapter in Russia. It had been legalised as "Aum Protect" guards company with the aim of guarding the sect's facilities in Russia.

The well-informed Japanese sources report that the firm was set up in 1994 and had the staff of twelve. Each of them had the official permission of the Russian authorities to wear fire arms. Investigation bodies in Tokyo assert that "Aum Protect" was headed by former officials of the Russian security service KGB.