Italian police search 17 suspects in neo-Nazi investigation

Italian police have searched the homes and digital devices of 17 people, including 14 minors, as part of an investigation into alleged online neo-Nazi and white supremacist activity.

The Carabinieri’s special operations unit ROS and the Digos police carried out the searches across several provinces, including Rome, Milan, Como, Bologna, Genoa, Palermo and Verona, Caliber.Az reports, citing Italian media.

The suspects are alleged to have been involved in two private online groups, identified by investigators as the “New European Order” and the “Italian Fascist Front”.

According to investigators, the groups were used to circulate Nazi and white supremacist propaganda, antisemitic material, Holocaust denial content and images and videos depicting executions and massacres.

Police also allege that some of the online discussions went beyond propaganda and included material relating to weapons and homemade explosive devices.

The alleged offences include incitement to commit crimes, propaganda and incitement on grounds of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination, and training for activities with terrorist purposes. In some cases, prosecutors are also alleging aggravating circumstances linked to terrorism.

The investigation involved months of monitoring of online profiles and groups associated by investigators with accelerationism, white supremacy and neo-Nazism.

Investigators said content linked to previous supremacist attacks was circulated in the groups, including material relating to the Christchurch attack perpetrator Brenton Tarrant. They also said online gaming sessions were used to reproduce violent scenes targeting ethnic minorities.

Searches resulted in the seizure of knives and other bladed weapons, objects bearing Nazi symbols, mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices.

The investigation is being coordinated by prosecutors’ offices with jurisdiction over adults and minors.

The fact that 14 of the 17 suspects are under 18 has drawn particular attention to the role of online communities in the radicalisation of young people.

Investigators are now examining the material seized during the searches as they assess the activities and possible intentions of those involved.

By Aghakazim Guliyev