Romanian arrested in Germany for plotting Nazi-inspired coup in Romania

German authorities have arrested a Romanian national suspected of attempting to found a far-right extremist organization with the aim of destabilizing Romania.

The suspect allegedly sought to ignite a "war of terror" in Romania, ultimately leading to the collapse of the existing state and the establishment of a new regime based on National Socialist principles. According to the Federal Prosecutor's Office, the man began his efforts to form this group in early 2023.

To recruit members, primarily targeting young Romanians, the suspect operated two channels via a messenger service from Germany. The Federal Prosecutor's Office stated that he urged subscribers and members to engage in various criminal activities. These included placing graffiti with far-right symbols, encouraging self-harm among young girls, carrying out arson attacks on buildings used by migrants or the LGBTQ+ community, and advocating for the killing of "subhumans."

Furthermore, the suspect reportedly published instructions on how to produce poisons and explosives, as well as how to construct Molotov cocktails and car bombs. He is facing charges of attempting to found a foreign terrorist organization as a ringleader and preparing a serious act of violence that endangers the state. Some of his alleged actions occurred when he was between 18 and 20 years old.

The suspect was apprehended in Enzkreis, Baden-Württemberg, and is expected to appear before the Federal Court of Justice judge in Karlsruhe to determine his pre-trial detention. The investigation is being conducted by Germany's highest prosecuting authority.