German police arrested five teenagers on Wednesday in connection with a far-right extremist group accused of plotting attacks on migrants and political opponents. The suspects, aged 14 to 18, are allegedly linked to a group calling itself "The Last Wave of Defence," which prosecutors say sought to destabilize Germany’s democratic order through violence.
Early morning raids across multiple German states targeted 13 properties tied to the group, federal prosecutors said. Four of the detained—identified under German privacy laws as Benjamin H., Ben-Maxim H., Lenny M., and Jason R.—face charges of membership in a domestic terrorist organization. The fifth suspect, Jerome M., is accused of supporting the group.
Two of the teens are also being investigated for attempted murder and aggravated arson. Prosecutors said three additional suspects, aged 18 to 21, are already in custody. All are German citizens.
Formed in April 2024, the group allegedly viewed itself as the last line of defense for the "German nation," plotting attacks on asylum shelters and left-wing facilities. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig called it "particularly shocking" that those arrested were minors when the group was founded.
"This is an alarm signal," Hubig said. "Right-wing extremist terrorism knows no age."
Prosecutors detailed several alleged crimes:
In October 2023, two suspects set fire to a cultural center in Altdöbern, eastern Germany. Occupants narrowly escaped injury.
In January 2024, two others smashed a window at an asylum shelter in Schmölln and attempted to ignite fireworks inside. They also spray-painted swastikas and slogans like "Foreigners out" and "Germany for the Germans."
Three suspects allegedly planned an arson attack on a shelter in Senftenberg but abandoned the plot after two accomplices were arrested.
The arrests follow a recent ban on another extremist group, "Kingdom of Germany," and the arrest of its leaders. Official data released this week shows a 17.2% increase in far-right violent crimes in 2023, totaling 1,488 incidents. Overall politically motivated violent offenses rose 15.3% to 4,107 cases—a record high.
Federal Criminal Police Chief Holger Münch warned of growing radicalization among young people. "We see a shift to the right and an increasing acceptance of violence," he said Tuesday.
The case underscores Germany’s ongoing struggle with far-right extremism, particularly among youth, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle violent networks.