Operator of Nazi chat groups investigated | Federal Ministry of the Interior, April 2nd, 2023

23-year-old accused with a residence ban for Austria

Vienna (OTS) – Intensive investigative measures by the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) and the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Combating Terrorism in Lower Austria (LVT) made it possible to locate a German citizen who was suspected of being active once more and of possessing illegal weapons in the context of right-wing terrorist chat groups. Specifically, the 23-year-old, who has lived in Austria since the summer of 2022, is said to have created and operated several National Socialist chat groups on various online platforms. In these chat groups, radical right-wing views and National Socialist propaganda were shared, among other things. In addition, the young woman announced right-wing extremist-inspired attack ideas.

After covert investigative measures, the accused were arrested on January 31, 2023 by the DSN and the LVT Lower Austria with the support of the EKO Cobra and then transferred to the prison. As a result, pre-trial detention was imposed. At the same time as the arrest, searches were carried out at two locations, during which various data carriers, a pistol including ammunition and Nazi-related clothing were seized. After being released from custody on March 15, 2023, the accused was banned from staying in Austria and deported to Germany. The investigations are currently not yet complete.

Information from the population makes an important contribution to protecting our constitution and helping to solve crimes. If there is a suspicion of a NS re-activation, all information – also anonymously – can be brought to the NS reporting office of the DSN.

Contact of the registration office for NS re-activation:

federal Ministry of Internal Affairs

General Directorate of Public Security

Directorate for State Security and Intelligence

Herrengasse 7

A-1010 Vienna

[e-mail]

The established NS registration office is used to generate information relevant to state security regarding NS re-activation. In the event of imminent danger or other emergencies, the emergency number must be dialed on 133 or 112.

Questions & contact:

federal Ministry of Internal Affairs
Division I/C/10 – Public Relations
Department spokesman of the Federal Ministry of the Interior
[phone] – 90 15 60
[e-mail]
bmi.gv.at