German authorities detain alleged founder of Terror 18 chat group

An 18-year-old man has been taken into custody by German prosecutors on suspicion of instigating a crime. He is the alleged founder of a far-right WhatsApp group known as “Terror 18,” which reportedly connected dozens of young neo-Nazis across the country.

The investigation follows reports that members of the group planned an attack on a refugee shelter in Winsen, Lower Saxony. Specifically, a 19-year-old from Winsen and a 15-year-old from near Bad Segeberg are under investigation for conspiracy. The 15-year-old is currently in custody and faces charges related to the preparation of a terrorist offense.

According to the Rostock Public Prosecutor's Office and leaked chat messages, the group engaged in violent fantasies against migrants and discussed concrete plans for arson. The 18-year-old suspect, linked to the far-right scene in Schwerin, reportedly continued to claim leadership of the group on social media even after the arrest of a group member.