German police have detained a suspect accused of operating a darknet platform that allegedly solicited murders of prominent politicians, according to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect, a dual German-Polish citizen identified as Martin S., was apprehended late Monday in the western city of Dortmund.

Public broadcaster ARD reported that Martin S. has ties to the far-right Reich Citizens movement, citing security sources familiar with the investigation. Prosecutors have charged him with terrorism financing, disseminating dangerous personal data, and instructing acts of violence endangering the state.

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Allegations of Targeting Politicians and Public Figures

Authorities allege that Martin S. ran a darknet platform that called for attacks on politicians, public officials, and other high-profile figures in Germany. According to prosecutors, the platform—accessible only via specialized software—contained:

• Lists of names of targeted individuals
• Self-styled death sentences
• Instructions for constructing explosives

The suspect reportedly sought cryptocurrency donations to reward individuals who carried out attacks, effectively attempting to finance acts of political violence through the darknet.

While prosecutors did not officially name the politicians on the list, Spiegel magazine reported that former German chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, as well as other former federal ministers, were included among the targets.

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Rising Threats Against German Politicians

The arrest comes amid concerns that German politicians are increasingly exposed to verbal, physical, and digital attacks. Security experts note that polarization and extremist rhetoric have fueled a rise in threats against public officials.

Additionally, Germany, like other Western countries, has experienced a growing scale of cyber threats, with extremist groups leveraging online platforms to coordinate and incite violence.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that the investigation has been ongoing since June, focusing on a right-wing extremist platform attempting to generate funds for attacks against politicians. He declined to provide further operational details, citing the sensitive nature of national security investigations.

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Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Federal prosecutors are responsible for extremism-related and national security cases in Germany. A statement released on Tuesday confirmed that:

“The accused will appear before an investigative judge today, who will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant.”

The case highlights Germany’s ongoing efforts to combat far-right extremism, terrorism financing, and online criminal activity that threaten the safety of public officials and the broader democratic system.

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Broader Implications

Experts warn that the Martin S. case underscores the growing risks posed by extremist activity online, particularly on platforms such as the darknet. The use of cryptocurrency for illicit purposes, including incentivizing violent attacks, reflects a modern evolution in domestic terrorism tactics.

Authorities continue to monitor extremist networks closely, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity measures, law enforcement vigilance, and public awareness to protect politicians and democratic institutions.