The Federal Prosecutor’s Office in North Rhine-Westphalia has arrested a suspected IS supporter at Cologne/Bonn Airport. The suspect, who has German-Moroccan-Polish nationality, is accused of transferring almost 1,700 US dollars via a cryptocurrency exchange to an account of the terrorist organization Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISPK) in September 2023.
The arrest warrant is related to the money payments, and there are reports linking the suspect to the upcoming European Football Championship in Germany. Federal police are now allowed to carry out checks at all German borders due to the event, as authorities take precautions to ensure safety during the tournament.
The suspect had applied to work as stewards and security personnel for side events outside football stadiums, including public viewings. However, he failed the application check, according to security sources. Despite this setback, it is believed that the suspect may still have been planning on attending or participating in some capacity at the event.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the suspected terrorist supporter’s activities. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety during major events such as sporting events like European Football Championship. As authorities continue their investigation into this case and other potential threats, they remain committed to working closely with international partners and agencies to stay ahead of any potential threats and keep citizens safe.
