Police in western Germany arrested a 27-year-old Bosnian man on Wednesday, July 9th, as part of an investigation into the suspected financing of an Islamist terror attack. Officers also carried out raids at six properties in the cities of Essen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Soest.
The arrest was made during a special operation by Germany’s elite Special Intervention Team (SEK). The suspect is expected to appear before an investigating judge later today.
According to a joint statement from the Düsseldorf Public Prosecutor’s Office and Essen police, the man is suspected of committing organised commercial fraud in order to raise funds for a terrorist plot. Investigators believe the proceeds from fraudulent activity were intended to finance an Islamist attack.
The details of the planned attack—such as its target or method—have not yet been made public.
North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister, Herbert Reul, praised the police operation and said it had helped prevent potential terrorist activity. “Anyone who pursues terror plans here must expect the SEK to be at their door in the morning,” he warned.
