Polish intelligence has detained a 17-year-old suspected of plotting an attack on a school or mosque amid an investigation of young men active in neo‑Nazi online circles. Authorities say digital evidence indicated a plot "intended to cause the death of many people," and searches reportedly recovered weapons, explosives and Nazi paraphernalia. The suspect has been remanded for three months, and the ABW said two 16‑year‑olds were detained earlier in the probe.
Poland Detains 17-Year-Old Over Alleged Neo‑Nazi Plot Targeting School Or Mosque
FILE PHOTO - A Polish police patrol car is parked on a street in Warsaw. (is associated with: «Poland detains teen suspected of planning attack on school or mosque») Doris Heimann/dpa
Polish intelligence and prosecutors have detained a 17-year-old on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack targeting either a school or a mosque, officials said on Tuesday. The arrest forms part of an ongoing probe into a group of young men active in neo‑Nazi and other extremist circles online.
Evidence and Allegations
Prosecutors said an analysis of the suspect's digital storage devices uncovered an alleged scheme that a spokesman described as "intended to cause the death of many people." Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek wrote on X that a search of the teenager's home reportedly uncovered weapons, explosives and items bearing Nazi symbols.
Authorities say data seized during the operation indicates the suspect had scouted potential targets and communicated with others about carrying out attacks. Investigators allege discussions included sourcing firearms, ammunition and military equipment, as well as the use of grenades and Molotov cocktails.
Legal Status and Broader Investigation
The 17-year-old has been remanded in custody for three months while the investigation continues. Poland's domestic intelligence agency, the ABW, said this is the third detention linked to the probe; the agency previously announced the detention of two 16‑year‑olds connected to the same neo‑Nazi scene.
Context
Officials have highlighted the role of online extremist networks in radicalizing young people and facilitating the sharing of weapons and attack planning. Prosecutors and security services said they will continue their inquiries to identify any additional suspects and to mitigate potential threats to public safety.
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