(MENAFN) A German citizen with alleged neo-Nazi connections has been arrested on suspicion of running a darknet platform that called for the assassination of politicians and other public figures.

The 49-year-old suspect, identified as Martin S., who also holds Polish citizenship, was detained late Monday in Dortmund, where he lives with his family, and subsequently placed in pre-trial detention. He reportedly faces charges including financing terrorism and providing instructions for committing acts of violence that endanger the state.

Authorities say the suspect operated an ‘Assassination Politics’ website on the darknet, where he allegedly published personal data, “death sentences,” and hit lists naming more than 20 potential victims. The targets reportedly included senior politicians such as former chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz, as well as judges and prosecutors.

Prosecutors stated that Martin S. had been running the platform anonymously since at least June 2025, sharing instructions for making explosives and soliciting cryptocurrency donations, which were then offered as bounties for killing listed individuals. The website also reportedly contained right-wing extremist, racist, and conspiracy-laden content.

Local reports indicate the suspect had connections with neo-Nazi circles and attended far-right events. He is also said to support the Reichsburger (Reich Citizens) movement, a conspiracy-driven far-right network that denies the legitimacy of modern Germany. Members claim the historical German Reich continues to exist and reject recognition of the government, parliament, laws, and courts, often refusing obligations such as paying taxes or fines.

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency estimates that around 25,000 individuals nationwide are affiliated with the Reichsburger and related groups, some of whom are considered prone to violence.

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