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One of the suspects was arrested in this house on Sunday night: investigators found a suspicious package when they searched two garages
Photo: INA FASSBENDER / AFP
During their investigations into two Iranians suspected of being terrorists, the authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia came across a suspicious package this morning.
According to SPIEGEL information, police officers found the package when they searched a garage in Castrop-Rauxel.
A neighbor gave the clue to the garage, according to security circles.
In addition, the authorities received information about a possible booby trap in another garage that was allegedly used by the brothers.
The affected area was partially evacuated and cordoned off extensively, investigations are ongoing.
Official circles: An ingredient for the production of the poison may have been missing
The two Sunni Iranians are suspected of having planned an attack using the toxins ricin and cyanide.
During a night-time anti-terror operation, the suspects were arrested on Sunday night.
The public prosecutor's office in Düsseldorf is investigating on suspicion of conspiring to commit murder.
Both men were taken into custody.
According to SPIEGEL information, the FBI is said to have given German authorities the first tip about those arrested as early as Christmas.
Apparently, the Americans had infiltrated the Telegram chat group, in which the two suspected perpetrators are said to have first asked about bomb construction plans and later about toxins.
There were therefore initial indications that the brothers probably wanted to strike on New Year's Eve.
However, they may have been missing an ingredient for the production of the poison, which could not have been delivered until after the turn of the year, according to official circles.
One of the two brothers is said to have made several appearances to the police and was currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.
According to SPIEGEL information, the main suspect is Monir J., a 32-year-old refugee.
From the Telegram chats it can be concluded that he is a suspected IS sympathizer.
A neighbor described him as a quiet, unassuming young man.
According to SPIEGEL information, J. traveled to Germany in 2015 and asked for asylum.
At his hearing, he is said to have posed as a Christian persecuted in Iran.
Apparently, the authorities believed his story: they have already twice granted him a three-year residence permit.
The current title is valid until the end of July.
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