Russian Islamist Sect Kept Children in Catacombs For Years

The underground compound was discovered during a murder investigation.

A self-proclaimed prophet had a vision from God. He would build an Islamic caliphate under the earth.

The digging began about a decade ago, and 70 followers soon moved into an eight-level subterranean labyrinth of cramped cells with no light, heat or ventilation.

Children were born. They too lived in the underground cells for many years – until authorities raided the compound last week and freed the 27 sons and daughters of the sect.