In a significant crackdown on right-wing extremism, German authorities conducted raids across Niedersachsen, Baden-Württemberg, and Nordrhein-Westfalen, targeting 13 locations linked to the 'Nordbund' group, which is suspected of possessing illegal military-grade weapons and automatic firearms.

The operation involved searches at properties connected to known extremists, including a tattoo studio linked to Johannes K., a former soldier and neo-Nazi with ties to banned organizations like 'Blood & Honour' and the NSU terror network.

Authorities have confiscated weapons, including a pistol and ammunition from a suspect in April, and are investigating a group of eight individuals aged 32 to 57 believed to be forming an armed extremist cell.

Experts emphasize that right-wing extremism is a nationwide issue in Germany, influenced by broader geopolitical conflicts, with figures like Schindler warning that violence and radicalization are escalating.

Johannes K. has cultivated international contacts within military and criminal circles, including the 'Hells Angels,' and played a role in establishing the 'Nordbund' around 2017, which includes active soldiers aiming to coordinate extremist activities.

Terrorism expert Hans-Jakob Schindler highlighted the increasing violence within the scene, noting that even basic weapons are no longer sufficient, as extremists acquire more dangerous firearms through illegal channels.

Radicalization is fueled by factors such as the Ukraine war, Russian hybrid warfare supporting extremists, rising antisemitism linked to conflicts like the Gaza war, and the influence of the AfD on social media platforms like TikTok.

The rise in extremist violence is reflected in over 1,068 injuries last year, a 17% increase from the previous year, with over 42,000 crimes committed by neo-Nazis and extremists, including numerous attacks on migrants and political opponents.

The extremist scene is diversifying, with younger members adopting modern appearances and a more radical militant faction emerging, although the overall number of heavily armed extremists may not be increasing.

Investigations reveal that the group, including individuals like Alexander S., is linked to the 'Nordbund' and has connections to military and criminal networks, with ongoing efforts to uncover plans for coordinated extremist actions.

Authorities have noted that illegal arms smuggling from regions like the Balkans and Ukraine is facilitating the acquisition of more dangerous firearms by right-wing extremists.

The police operation included searches at a tattoo studio associated with Johannes K., who has past ties to banned organizations and connections to the neo-Nazi terror network, highlighting the group's deep-rooted extremist links.