Suspected IS supporter arrested at Cologne airport – DW – 06/09/2024

A suspected Islamic State (IS) supporter was arrested a week before the start of the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Sunday.

According to a spokesperson for the Karlsruhe authorities, the suspect was arrested on Friday at Cologne/Bonn airport.

Investigators say the man, who shares German-Moroccan and Polish nationality, transferred money in September 2023 to an account belonging to a branch of the IS terrorist group, the state's Khorasan province Islamic, in 2023.

According to German news agency dpa, the man also applied to work as a steward and security guard at so-called side events outside football stadiums during the Euros, but was unsuccessful..

What are the allegations?

The suspect was presented to the investigating judge, who ordered pre-trial detention.

He is under investigation on suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organization abroad and violating the Foreign Trade and Payments Law.

The man allegedly transferred nearly $1,700 (€1,572) via a cryptocurrency exchange to the terrorist group Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISPK).

During a search of his home, investigators seized mobile phones, data carriers, computers as well as “suspicious recordings”.

The upcoming UEFA European Football Championship, known as Euro 2024, will take place in 10 different German cities.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the country was preparing for “every imaginable danger.”

She cited threats such as terrorism and football hooliganism.

An estimated 2.7 million football fans are expected in stadiums and up to 12 million at public events.

km/lo (dpa, AFP)