German security authorities have raised to 55 the number of suspects accused of being part of a group planning a coup in Germany that was dismantled early last December.
In that first operation, the German police managed to capture a total of 25 suspects, although investigations have continued and raids have been completed not only in Germany, but also in Austria and Italy.
According to sources accessed by DPA, the authorities have so far seized more than 420,000 euros in cash, as well as precious metals. The German magazine ‘Der Spiegel’ has also reported the existence of some 50 kilos of gold and other precious metals.
The detainees are linked to the group ‘Reich Citizens (Reichsburger, in German), who do not recognize the German Federal Republic and its democratic structures. The German Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses 22 of the detainees of belonging to a terrorist organization that wanted to overthrow the political system in the country.
With the exception of a Russian woman, all the suspects are German nationals. In fact, among the detainees is a former officer of a special unit of the German Armed Forces arrested in Italy and who is still trying to avoid extradition to Germany.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
