The "Exit 31" project has been launched to assist teenagers in attempts at recruitment.

      On August 26, 2026, at 17:11 Society In Russia, the project "Exit31" was launched, aimed at warning young people about the dangers of being involved in arson, sabotage, terrorist acts, and other serious crimes. The initiative arose against the backdrop of increasing attempts to lure young Russians into illegal activities. One of the main tasks of the project is to explain to young people how to act if they find themselves under pressure from recruiters and to remind them that even from a dangerous situation, one can escape if they timely refuse to commit a crime and seek help.

      "If someone is trying to force you to commit a crime right now, there is a way out. Article 31 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation will allow you to avoid punishment, but remember: if you decide to refuse to participate in a terrorist act or sabotage but do not report it to the authorities in time, you can still be held accountable for preparing for a crime," the creators of the project stated.

      The authors of "Exit31" urge young people not to perceive suspicious offers on the internet as easy money, a game, or a harmless task. Recruiters may first study a person's interests, gain their trust, and only then gradually lead them to illegal activities. Promises of money, pressure, threats, demands to keep what is happening secret, or to act as quickly as possible may be used for influence.

      "If you are being scared, rushed, forced to be silent, or offered to do something secretly, this is not a quest or a side job. At this moment, the only way out is to stop and ask for help," the project's authors emphasize.

      Particular attention in the project is paid to the consequences of such "offers." For sabotage under Article 281 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, long prison terms are provided, and in certain cases, life imprisonment. Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation establishes responsibility for a terrorist act, and Article 205.1 for assisting terrorist activities. Depending on the composition of the crime and circumstances, the punishment can also be measured in many years of imprisonment, up to life.

      The main advice to young people is not to try to "outsmart" the recruiter on their own and not to continue following their instructions out of fear, curiosity, or hope of receiving promised money. In the case of a suspicious offer, it is necessary to cease participation in what is happening and turn to parents or another trusted adult, and in the case of an attempt to lure into committing a crime, to timely report it to law enforcement agencies.

      Separately, the creators of the project address the parents of minors. They are urged to be attentive to what is happening in their children's lives and to maintain trusting relationships with them so that the teenager is not afraid to talk about suspicious correspondence, threats, or attempts at recruitment. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+