German far-right suspect accused of targeting minors online
German federal prosecutors have taken over an investigation into a far-right extremist accused of leading two online groups that targeted vulnerable minors and encouraged violence, including arson, murder and sexual abuse.
Kai M., who was arrested on March 17 and remains in pretrial detention, is accused of acting as a ringleader of what prosecutors describe as a terrorist organization and a criminal organization.
The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office said there were “sufficient factual indications” that he helped prepare and carry out crimes linked to the groups.
Minors allegedly pushed toward violence
According to prosecutors, Kai M. and other members allegedly encouraged a minor in Russia to fatally stab another child at a school. They are also accused of calling for the killing of a US citizen in an online chat and influencing young people in the United States and Sweden to set vehicles on fire.
The two groups are allegedly connected to “The Com,” a loose international network of online communities that glorify violence.
Prosecutors said members of the network target very young people through social media and gaming platforms, using manipulation and coercion to push them toward humiliating acts, self-harm or suicide.
Suspect faces federal court review
Kai M. was detained under an arrest warrant issued by a court in Koblenz. He is expected to appear soon before an investigating judge at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice.
The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source:AA
