Law enforcement is determined to action. - Suspected IS sympathizer apprehended
Following the apprehension of an alleged IS sympathizer at the Cologne/Bonn airport before the beginning of the European Football Championship, North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister, Herbert Reul (CDU), cautioned about potential hazards during the athletic event. "Our police are doing all they can to shield us from terrorists or those who want to transform into terrorists," Reul said in an interview with the German Press Agency in Düsseldorf on Sunday. "Regrettably, there is no such thing as 100% security."
On Friday, the Federal Prosecutor's Office detained a man with German-Moroccan-Polish citizenship, according to a representative from the Karlsruhe office. The authorities suspect this man of transferring almost 1,700 US dollars to an Islamic State Province Khorasan (ISPK) account through a cryptocurrency exchange in September 2023.
Investigators are examining the suspect for possible support of a foreign terrorist organization and violations of the Foreign Trade Act, the spokesman mentioned. The arrest warrant pertains to the money transfers, the spokesman added. The individual under suspicion has been in pretrial detention since Friday evening.
Earlier, "Bild" newspaper reported on both the case and a potential link to the impending European Football Championship in Germany. The spokesperson for the Federal Prosecutor's Office did not offer comments on the report. A declaration was scheduled for the beginning of the week.
It has been reported that the male had applied for the position of a steward and security personnel at non-stadium public viewings, also known as "side events," outside the football stadiums. During the review of his application, which every applicant undergoes, he failed, according to sources in security circles.
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The suspected IS sympathizer was apprehended at Cologne/Bonn Airport, a significant location in North Rhine-Westphalia, the German state where the European Football Championship is being held. Herbert Reul, the Interior Minister of NRW and a CDU member, expressed concern about potential threats during the event. Despite the efforts of the police, Reul acknowledged that complete security is impossible.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office, based in Karlsruhe, arrested a man with German-Moroccan-Polish citizenship on Friday. The suspect is accused of transferring funds to an ISPK account using a cryptocurrency exchange in September 2023, potentially violating foreign terrorist organization support laws and the Foreign Trade Act.
The arrest warrant focuses on the money transfers, and the individual has been in pretrial detention since Friday evening. The case has also been linked to the European Football Championship, with reports suggesting the man applied for a steward position at non-stadium public viewings.
The German Press Agency reported from Düsseldorf on Sunday about the arrest and the potential link to the European Football Championship. The Federal Prosecutor's Office did not comment on these reports, but a declaration was scheduled for the beginning of the week.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the suspected individual's involvement. The Office of the Attorney General will play a key role in this process, working closely with law enforcement agencies in Germany to ensure the safety of the European Football Championship and the country as a whole.
Amidst these developments, tensions remain high as Germany and Europe prepare for the high-profile event, with the potential for terrorism and security concerns remaining a significant concern for law enforcement and the general public alike.
Regardless of the challenges, Germany remains committed to hosting a successful European Football Championship and protecting its citizens, working tirelessly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
