Italy Uncovers Neo-Nazi Network Planning Synagogue and Mosque Attacks

Italian security forces conducted searches across the country on Friday morning, September 25, targeting 17 individuals suspected of involvement in an online neo-Nazi network. Fourteen of the suspects are minors. The network is accused of promoting white supremacy and planning terrorist attacks against a synagogue and a mosque. Charges include incitement to commit crimes, propaganda, and incitement to racial, ethnic, and religious hatred, as well as preparation for terrorist activities, with investigators citing terrorist motives as an aggravating factor.

The investigation, initiated after prolonged monitoring of online groups and profiles associated with this ideology, revealed participants disseminating propaganda glorifying Adolf Hitler and Nazi symbols. Communications within these groups featured antisemitic, racist, and homophobic remarks. Participants also shared manifestos from far-right extremists like Anders Breivik, Brenton Tarrant, and Stephan Balliet, who committed mass murders and terrorist attacks motivated by racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.

Investigators discovered detailed instructions for constructing improvised explosive devices, including methods to enhance their destructive power, alongside manuals on using bladed and firearms. The dissemination of such materials, coupled with instructions and photographs, posed a "real danger," according to investigators.

The suspects operated within two main groups. The first, a closed group called "New European Order Chat," allegedly spread Nazi propaganda, white supremacist ideology, antisemitic content, Holocaust denial, manifestos of mass murderers, and bomb-making instructions. The second group, "Italian Fascist Front," distributed racist and antisemitic materials, content targeting Black people and homosexuals, videos of minority executions, and propaganda from the American neo-Nazi organization The Base.

Investigators believe the "Italian Fascist Front" had an internal hierarchy, with its founder holding the title of "supreme commander" and other members assigned ranks such as "secretary," "blackshirt," and "SS corporal." Recruitment occurred via Telegram, requiring applicants to complete a questionnaire, and members referred to each other as "comrades."

Discussions within these groups included specific threats to attack a mosque, a synagogue, and even a school, alongside talk of "mass reset" and questioning Holocaust victim numbers. Searches of the suspects' homes yielded knives, other bladed weapons, flags and items with Nazi symbols, and electronic devices believed to have been used for material dissemination.