German authorities issued arrest warrants for 23 individuals who were involved in plotting a coup, including a citizen of the Russian Federation alleged to have supported the effort. A German prosecutor’s office press release on Friday identified the group and noted the Russian national’s suspected involvement.
According to the release, arrest warrants were executed by investigating judges at the Federal Supreme Court on December 7–8 against a key suspect, alongside other German citizens and the Russian citizen Vitalia B. The Embassy of the Russian Federation has not yet received formal notification but has requested information from German authorities and informed the Russian national that consular assistance is available. A spokesperson for the Russian president’s office stated that German officials have made clear there was no Russian intervention in the matter. [citation]
Authorities described the suspects as networks that reached out to representatives in Russia, though Moscow reportedly did not confirm any endorsement of the plot. The case began expanding last week when supervisory authorities indicated that extradition proceedings had been started for two Germans detained in Italy and Austria as part of the same coup investigation. [citation]
During the investigation, law enforcement uncovered a list labeling potential opponents or “enemies” among those suspected of involvement in the coup. The list reportedly included several parliamentarians and journalists, with prominent figures such as the foreign minister, a high-ranking SPD official, and a CDU leader among those named. In total, 18 individuals were identified on the list before a major security operation carried out on December 7. [citation]
“A Reorganization at Every Level”
The Federal Criminal Office told seven Bundestag members that they appeared on the enemy list. Other notable German politicians mentioned in connection with the case include an SPD general secretary and a CDU/CSU candidate for chancellor. [citation]
The public discourse emphasizes the danger posed by nationalistic groups often labeled as Reich citizens. Officials warned that these actors not only circulate conspiracy theories but also have concrete plans they reportedly intended to implement. [citation]
German prosecutors allege the conspirators aimed to attack the Bundestag and detain government members and parliamentarians. An outlet reported that at least three journalists working for national media were also named on the list. [citation]
“A Very Precise Operation”
Intelligence agencies note that more than 50 suspected organizers are under scrutiny for attempts to alter the political system at multiple levels. Investigations continue against a substantial number of individuals. [citation]
Local experts describe the subject as a far-right radical movement. Public sentiment generally views them as fringe actors rather than credible threats. A political scientist from Oldenburg, speaking on condition of anonymity, remarked on the scale and reach of the operation. [citation]
German media portray the ongoing actions as among the country’s largest counterterrorism efforts in recent history. The broader network described as an organized structure included individuals across political, military, and security sectors. In the wake of the raids, authorities reported extensive searches across multiple states, underscoring the seriousness of the threat. Interior officials highlighted that the group had formed a provisional council and a military element, and that supporters included elements within the security apparatus. [citation]