Bolzano, 15-year-old arrested: he is accused of planning a terrorist act

Last Wednesday, a 15-year-old resident near Bolzano was arrested for suspected links to an international neo-Nazi group.

The young man is accused of belonging to an association for the purposes of terrorism, production and use of explosive devices, illegal possession of weapons, aggravated damage and distribution of child pornography.

The General Investigations and Special Operations Division (Digos) revealed that the boy was ready to carry out a homicidal attack, aimed at killing a homeless person, and then spread the video of the murder on the dark web.

Contacts with a neo-Nazi group

According to the Corriere del Trentino, the 764-year-old was in contact on Telegram with a group known as “XNUMX,” whose name is linked to the zip code of Stephenville, Texas, the founder’s hometown. The group’s members, spread across the world, had planned a series of attacks against individuals in vulnerable situations, particularly the homeless.

According to the investigation, the 15-year-old had “actively contributed to the plan” and demonstrated his “loyalty” to the group by reproducing symbols on walls and cars. During the searches, two computers and a phone were seized, which revealed that the boy had conducted online research on assembling explosives. Images and videos of assaults, murders, and armed attacks on schools were also found, along with child pornography and videos linked to the Islamic State.

Group activities and communications

The “764” group, classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Department of Justice and an “extremist network” by Canadian police, has often been described as a “neo-Nazi satanic cult.” Members communicate via Discord and Telegram, aiming to involve vulnerable children and girls in degrading and violent acts.

The group was founded in 2021 by Bradley Cadenhead, a young Texan who was arrested and later sentenced to 80 years in prison for producing videos containing child abuse. Over the years, several members linked to the group have been arrested in various countries, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, and Romania.

Last messages before the arrest

Shortly before the intervention of the Digos, the fifteen-year-old managed to send a message in the chat of the group “764”: «I have the fed on the door» («I have the police at the door»). He was subsequently arrested and transferred to the juvenile detention center in Treviso.

The police commissioner of Bolzano, Paolo Sartori, described the situation as "both delicate and complex", highlighting the concern arising from the age of the arrested man and the international terrorist contexts with which he was involved. Sartori underlined the importance of investigating the extent of the group and confirmed that the investigations are continuing at a rapid pace.