IS networks in St. Pölten: Infiltration and recruitment of young perpetrators
IS networks in St. Pölten: Infiltration and recruitment of young perpetrators
In a sensational case in St. Pölten, several networks specializing in terrorism and extremist indoctrination have been uncovered. A 20-year-old man from Northern Macedonia, who had made a name for himself as a "IS sprayer" at St. Pöltner Central Station last year, was recently sentenced to five years in prison. He had previously been convicted of supporting a terrorist association, but the latest investigations show that he may also be responsible for the recruitment of young people for the Islamic State (IS).
The young man began recruiting young people at various meeting points in St. Pölten shortly after his release in prison in November 2022. Among other things, IS -combat skills and ideology are said to have been taught aggressively. According to Roland Scherscher, the head of the State Office for State Security and Extremism Control (LSE), the suspicion of concerned parents who had contacted the authorities was confirmed
recruitment of young people
As part of the investigation, it turned out that the North Macedonian was in exchange with a 15-year-old Austrian who apparently became a recruiter for IS. The adolescent is said to have even put a faithful to the terrorist group by video. Other young people are also involved in these machinations: two other 15-year-olds received judicial punishments-at six and 21 months, although the punishments are partly conditional. Further procedures are running in the investigation into this very explosive topic, while a 13-year-old North Macedonian could not be prosecuted due to his criminal impact. A weapon ban was imposed on all suspects.
In addition to this network, a 20-year-old Syrian has also been targeted by the investigators. This is in custody due to attempted rape. It was ensured by IS propaganda materials, which reinforces the connections between these different groups. The public prosecutor and the LSE make it clear that the situation is taken seriously and all the necessary steps are initiated.
right -wing extremism and weapons collector
In parallel to the investigation against the IS network, a group of weapons collectors was also examined, which was presumably ideologically shaped by the National Socialist era. This is a 54-year-old man from the Melk district who is said to have been active in the neo-Nazi movement in the past. With him and seven other suspects, a remarkable amount of illegal weapons, ammunition and Nazi devotionals were ensured during searches. This case shows the diverse threats that emerge from extremist groups and how close they are rooted in settlements such as St. Pölten.Overall, these hidden investigations brought many details to light. The LSE now counts on the 100 suspects that could be held responsible in connection with the use of weapons and the promotion of extremist ideologies. This complexity of the situation requires comprehensive measures on the part of the security authorities.
The public prosecutor and the security authorities meanwhile remain in close coordination in order to continue to monitor the activities of these groups. These developments are of high social relevance because they grow at a time when the dangers of extremist ideas increase. Compliance with the rule of law and the protection of society are in the top priority, even if the current circumstances appear to be challenging. Further information on the backgrounds and measures can be found here .