Man (32) is said to have prepared an Islamist attack: large-scale operation at night

Created: 2023-01-08 06:54

By: Katarina Amtmann

Anti-terror investigators were on duty in the Ruhr area on Sunday night.

They searched the living quarters of a man who is said to have planned an attack.

Castrop-Rauxel - In the middle of the night, anti-terrorist investigators struck in the Ruhr area.

A man (32) is said to have planned an Islamist attack.

The investigators suspect that he has substances that are classified as biological warfare weapons.

Castrop-Rauxel: 32-year-old is said to have planned an Islamist attack

Anti-terrorist investigators arrested the man in Castrop-Rauxel.

He is said to have prepared an Islamist attack.

The public prosecutor's office in Düsseldorf, the Recklinghausen police and the Münster police announced early on Sunday morning that he was suspected of having obtained the toxins cyanide and ricin for the crime.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, ricin is included in the war weapons list under "biological weapons".

On the night of Sunday, January 8, the man's living quarters in Castrop-Rauxel were searched by order of the judge.

The site was cordoned off over a wide area.

Police, fire brigade and rescue workers were on site with a large contingent.

Numerous emergency services wore protective suits, as a dpa reporter reported.

A man is taken into custody by an officer from the special task force (SEK) wearing a protective mask.

© Karsten Wickern/dpa +++ dpa picture radio +++

Anti-terror operation in the Ruhr area

"The accused is suspected of having prepared a serious act of violence that is dangerous to the state," said the investigators.

"The search serves to find the corresponding toxins and other evidence." The 32-year-old and one other person were taken into custody.

"Evidence was secured and is being evaluated." It has not yet been decided whether he will be brought before a magistrate.