Suspect Apprehended in Dortmund Raid
German authorities have made a significant arrest in the ongoing battle against far-right extremism. A 49-year-old German-Polish national, identified only as Martin S, was taken into custody late on Monday in the western city of Dortmund, where he resides with his family. The arrest marks a crucial development in a case that has sent shockwaves through Germany's political establishment.
Darknet Platform Solicited Political Murders
According to Germany's chief federal prosecutor, the suspect allegedly operated a sinister platform on the darknet named 'Assassination Politics'. This platform contained lists featuring more than 20 prominent political figures, including former chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, alongside judges and ex-government ministers.
The site reportedly published personal data of these individuals alongside what the suspect termed 'charge sheets' and 'death sentences'. Perhaps most disturbingly, the platform solicited cryptocurrency donations that were offered as 'bounties' for the killing of targeted individuals.
Federal prosecutors stated: "Since at least June 2025, Martin S has called for attacks on named politicians, public officials and public figures in Germany on the darknet. He anonymously operates a platform on which he publishes, among other things, lists of names, death sentences pronounced by himself and instructions for building explosive devices."
Far-Right Connections and Investigation Timeline
The suspect's alleged activities extend beyond the digital realm. Martin S, who works as a software developer, is believed to have participated in events organised by the right-wing extremist party Die Heimat (The Homeland). Local media reports indicate he attended a 2021 memorial march for Dortmund neo-Nazi leader Siegfried Borchardt, known as 'SS-Siggi'.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that the investigation began in June following a tip from the domestic intelligence service. Many of the intended targets were reportedly selected due to their roles in implementing COVID-19 pandemic measures, suggesting a connection to the extremist fringe of the anti-lockdown movement.
The platform allegedly featured content described as right-wing extremist, racist, and promoting conspiracy theories. While it remains unclear whether any cryptocurrency donations were actually collected, the case was considered serious enough to warrant investigation by the federal prosecutor's office, which handles terrorism cases and serious threats to state security.
Martin S now faces multiple charges including:
- Financing terrorism
- Inciting others to commit serious acts of violence endangering the state
- Dangerous dissemination of personal data
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone in operating his darknet platform. The case highlights the growing threat posed by lone-wolf extremists leveraging digital technology to advance violent ideologies.
