Founder of 'Kingdom of Germany' Detained in Connection with Extremist Group
Peter Fitzek and three associates face investigation following the ban on the so-called Reichsbürger group.
Peter Fitzek, the founder of the self-declared 'Kingdom of Germany,' has been taken into custody as part of a broader investigation into a group labeled as part of the Reichsbürger movement.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the ban on this group, describing all Reichsbürger structures as dangerous.
Fitzek, who has led the organization since its establishment in 2012, is among four individuals arrested during coordinated operations involving over 800 police officers across several German states, including Baden-Württemberg, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Thüringen, and Brandenburg.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that the detentions are linked to allegations of participating in a criminal organization, with the investigation being taken over by the highest prosecutorial authority in Germany due to the significance of the case.
In addition to Fitzek, the suspects range in age from 37 to 59 years, with two arrests occurring in Mittelsachsen, one in Oder-Spree in Brandenburg, and one in Bad Dürkheim, Rheinland-Pfalz.
Searches were also conducted on a suspect in Solothurn, Switzerland, who is believed to be a German citizen.
The actions taken on that day included searches of 15 locations associated with the group, leading to the seizure of evidence, properties linked to the organization, fictitious documents, and vehicles.
The German authorities claim evidence has surfaced that showcases the group's goals of undermining the constitutional order through illegal activities.
Fitzek is accused of running unauthorized banking and insurance schemes, with recent operations involving the establishment of sub-organizations, such as a fictitious 'Royal Reich Bank.' Dobrindt remarked that the aim of the organization is to create a counter-state and separate from the Federal Republic of Germany, supported by anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
The membership of this group is estimated at around 1,000 by authorities, despite claims of 6,000 supporters.
Reichsbürger members reject the legitimacy of the Federal Republic of Germany, often asserting that the historical German Empire still exists.
They typically refuse to recognize democratic structures and laws and do not comply with tax obligations.
In recent years, the national intelligence agency has identified approximately 30 active groups within this movement.
The 'Kingdom of Germany' is currently recognized as the largest faction within the Reichsbürger movement.
Recent concerns have also been highlighted regarding another prominent Reichsbürger faction led by Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß, which is alleged to have planned a violent coup against the government.
Legal proceedings against various members of this collective are ongoing in multiple jurisdictions, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart.
Fitzek, originally from Halle, Germany, has a history of legal troubles, including a prior conviction for bodily harm.
In March, a court upheld a judgment sentencing him to eight months in prison for an incident involving assault against a public official.
As part of the government's recent actions against the group, the assets of the organization are subject to confiscation, and their online platforms will be shut down.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the ban on this group, describing all Reichsbürger structures as dangerous.
Fitzek, who has led the organization since its establishment in 2012, is among four individuals arrested during coordinated operations involving over 800 police officers across several German states, including Baden-Württemberg, Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Thüringen, and Brandenburg.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that the detentions are linked to allegations of participating in a criminal organization, with the investigation being taken over by the highest prosecutorial authority in Germany due to the significance of the case.
In addition to Fitzek, the suspects range in age from 37 to 59 years, with two arrests occurring in Mittelsachsen, one in Oder-Spree in Brandenburg, and one in Bad Dürkheim, Rheinland-Pfalz.
Searches were also conducted on a suspect in Solothurn, Switzerland, who is believed to be a German citizen.
The actions taken on that day included searches of 15 locations associated with the group, leading to the seizure of evidence, properties linked to the organization, fictitious documents, and vehicles.
The German authorities claim evidence has surfaced that showcases the group's goals of undermining the constitutional order through illegal activities.
Fitzek is accused of running unauthorized banking and insurance schemes, with recent operations involving the establishment of sub-organizations, such as a fictitious 'Royal Reich Bank.' Dobrindt remarked that the aim of the organization is to create a counter-state and separate from the Federal Republic of Germany, supported by anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
The membership of this group is estimated at around 1,000 by authorities, despite claims of 6,000 supporters.
Reichsbürger members reject the legitimacy of the Federal Republic of Germany, often asserting that the historical German Empire still exists.
They typically refuse to recognize democratic structures and laws and do not comply with tax obligations.
In recent years, the national intelligence agency has identified approximately 30 active groups within this movement.
The 'Kingdom of Germany' is currently recognized as the largest faction within the Reichsbürger movement.
Recent concerns have also been highlighted regarding another prominent Reichsbürger faction led by Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß, which is alleged to have planned a violent coup against the government.
Legal proceedings against various members of this collective are ongoing in multiple jurisdictions, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart.
Fitzek, originally from Halle, Germany, has a history of legal troubles, including a prior conviction for bodily harm.
In March, a court upheld a judgment sentencing him to eight months in prison for an incident involving assault against a public official.
As part of the government's recent actions against the group, the assets of the organization are subject to confiscation, and their online platforms will be shut down.
Translation:
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