"Last year 25 terrorist attacks were prevented in the territory of our country. Pre-emptive work continues non-stop," he said.

"Sixty eight terrorism-related crimes, including attacks with the use of firearms, were prevented during the preparatory stage. More than 1,300 individuals were persuaded to refrain from terrorist activity," he said. "More than 17,500 foreigners suspected of involvement in terrorism activities were prohibited from entering our country’s territory last year," he said.

At the same time, Kulyagin went on to say, ringleaders continued attempts to stage terrorist attacks at transport facilities and crowded places.

"In 2017 the NAC’s priorities were prevention of growth in terrorist activity, exposure and elimination of underground terrorist cells and prevention of terrorist attacks in the country’s territory. Special attention was paid to transport facilities and crowded places," he said.

The activity of more than 50 terrorist cells was quashed, 1,060 militants detained and 90 others, including 12 ringleaders put out action.

 Andrey Przhezdomsky, an advisor to the chairman of Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee said terrorists are actively recruited via the Internet.

"Online recruitment is becoming global today, so the question of control over cyberspace is far from idle, rather, it is one of the most topical issues," he said.

According to the NAC representative, "now everything is done remotely, with cells being set up remotely." "The process can be very fast, and the impact sometimes occurs within just a few months," he noted.

 Russia’s special services last year prevented more than 80 Russians from going abroad for participation in combat operations on the side of illegal armed groups, he added. 

"Last year more than 80 persons were prevented from leaving Russia for participation in terrorist activities. A firm obstruction has been placed to minimize this flow," he said.

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