Police in Germany have conducted a series of raids on the financing network of the terrorist group known as the "Islamic State" (IS), resulting in the arrest of several suspects. More than 1,000 federal and state police officers were involved in the operations, which took place across multiple states.

The raids, led by prosecutors in Karlsruhe, targeted an alleged terrorist financing network that was suspected of collecting donations and forwarding them to IS. The arrested individuals, mostly German nationals, were believed to be part of an international network that used platforms like Telegram to solicit financial contributions for IS in Syria. The money was then transferred to the group or its intermediaries.

According to investigators, at least 65,000 euros ($71,552.00) were transferred through this network. The funds were allegedly used to support imprisoned IS members in Syria, with some cases even facilitating their escape from detention.

The arrests were made in various locations, with four suspects detained in North Rhine Westphalia and one each in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bremen. Searches were also carried out in Berlin, Bavaria, Hamburg, Hesse, Thuringia, and Lower Saxony. Additionally, a property in the Netherlands was raided in connection with the investigation.

The suspects were due to appear before a magistrate to determine whether they would be held in pre-trial detention.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that the raids highlighted the ongoing seriousness of the threat posed by IS. She stated that the authorities remained vigilant and committed to cracking down on Islamist extremism. Faeser stressed the importance of identifying and dismantling financing networks, as financial resources play a crucial role in the spread of anti-constitutional ideologies and enable terrorist actions.

Since 2014, acts committed by German citizens, residents, or individuals active in the country in support of IS have been punishable under the criminal code. The law prohibits activities such as social media promotion, demonstrations, fundraising, and recruitment for the jihadist group.

Germany's domestic intelligence service has noted that the peak phase of IS ended in 2016, with the group losing the territory it once controlled in Syria and Iraq. However, IS cells continue to operate in both countries.

Law enforcement agencies remain focused on combating the threat posed by IS and are dedicated to uncovering and dismantling networks involved in terrorist financing.

Source: Agencies