Recent testimony from alleged former members of the deadly neo-Nazi group called The Base has made some disturbing accusations. For one, they claim the group’s founder, Rinaldo Nazzaro, is in reality a Russian intelligence asset. The Base is well-known worldwide as a terrorist group. More concerning still, it has reportedly sought to undermine Ukraine through destabilizing activities — raising further questions of Nazzaro’s ties.
Rinaldo Nazzaro, a former Pentagon contractor, has repeatedly denied ties to spy agencies or foreign governments. In a 2020 appearance on Kremlin state television, he stated emphatically, “I never had any contact with any Russian security services.” Former members of The Base have cast doubt on his actions. They’re not just attacking his ideas, in spite of his protestations.
Additionally, the Base has become somewhat infamous for its sabotage operations. It is equally infamous for the execution of assassination plots targeting the Ukrainian state—and in particular, its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Testimony reveals that the group has burned military vehicles exhibiting Ukrainian license plates. Even more severely, they have devastated the country’s electrical infrastructure. New allegations have emerged that these actions serve Russian interests in the region.
Far-right analyst Joshua Fisher-Birch has reviewed online records that bolster claims connecting Nazzaro to Russian intelligence. He then underscored the seriousness of these allegations from ex-collective members. Access to their stories provides us with critical context around what’s truly happening behind The Base’s curtains and Nazzaro’s direct links to the global accelerationist white power movement.
“That these accusations are also coming from alleged former members of the group is particularly interesting, given inside knowledge of the group they may have and Nazzaro’s role within the global accelerationist white power movement.” – Joshua Fisher-Birch
The Base has long been implicated in nefarious activities in Ukraine. It was later suggested that Nazzaro herself manages their VK account, which is hosted in Russia. Unfortunately, this platform has been a stage for posts pushing for even more aggressive action against Ukraine. There are allegations of financial support for The Base. Many users are asking how the group is planning to fund the upkeep of several hundred bots and pay out rewards for killing the right people.
“How does The Base have money for so many bots and rewards for actions? I wonder who funds them.” – A user affiliated with the website on Telegram
Former members of The Base painted a picture of Nazzaro as an unstable army veteran. They accused him of bragging about his record on Afghanistan. They pointed out there were notable inconsistencies in his story, hinting at the absence of real, lived wartime experience. They alleged misconduct on Nazzaro’s part. They argue that he seeks overall societal collapse and system destruction and to purposefully degrade Ukrainian forces in a way most advantageous to Russian interests.
“[Nazzaro] presented himself as an army veteran who has been to Afghanistan; however during gun ranges he mentioned how he’s never touched a shotgun in his life.” – Ex-members of The Base
The Base’s movements have come under scrutiny from all sides. Allegations of its involvement in cyber-related efforts to undermine Ukrainian stability add yet another layer to an already tense geopolitical landscape. The Guardian has examined other public online records corroborating allegations that Nazzaro has extensive ties to Russian intelligence. This only further adds to the overwhelming evidence against these grave allegations.