Two Belgian twentysomethings arrested in investigation of terrorist group: police find Nazi flags and swastikas during house search

Daan C. and Kayley W., two young people in their twenties with Belgian nationality, have been deprived of their liberty because they are suspected of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. Nazi memorabilia was found during a search. This is reported by the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office.

On Thursday, the counterterrorism department of the Antwerp Federal Judicial Police carried out several house searches in Diepenbeek and Ostend. During one of the house searches in Diepenbeek, large numbers of Nazi memorabilia, including Nazi flags and swastikas, were found. In addition, two persons of Belgian nationality, Daan C. (°2000) and Kayley W. (°2002) were deprived of their liberty and taken for questioning.

Daan C. and Kayley W. are suspected of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. The former is considered a possible leader and is also suspected of spreading a terrorist message with the risk of committing terrorist crimes, recruiting people with a view to committing terrorist crimes and preparing to commit terrorist crimes. He has already been placed under arrest warrant by the investigating judge.

Online platforms

The suspects turned out to be in possession of materials for pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails, among other things. In addition, there are indications that they were both active on various right-wing extremist encrypted online platforms. These platforms actively called for the commission of terrorist crimes. New members were also recruited and manuals for 3D printed firearms were shared.

Like-minded minors and adults appeared to be active on these online platforms at home and abroad. Various judicial investigations are also underway abroad and several suspects have already been identified. In addition to the investigation in our country, searches were also carried out in Germany, Italy, Croatia and Lithuania, among others.