Unveiling the Reichsbürger Network and Alleged Conspirators
A major bust in December of the previous year uncovered a network of so-called Reich citizens, spiraling into legal action more than ten months later. Most notably, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office indicted ten individuals, including wealthy businessman Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß and former AfD parliamentarian Birgit Malsack-Winkemann.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office reportedly brought charges against ten suspected members of what's known as the Reichsbürger network surrounding Frankfurt businessman Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß. The network's central figures were targeted by these indictments, according to Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR), which based its findings on confirmations from legal representatives.
The nationwide raid on December 7, 2022, led to the discovery of the Reichsbürger group. Allegedly, the group was administered by Prince Reuß and aimed to overthrow Germany's political system by force, intending to install a new authoritarian government. Participants were prepared for potential casualties in this endeavor. The Reichsburger and self-administrators question the legitimacy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Additional Insights
- Noted Allegations: The group was also accused of backing the QAnon conspiracy theory and believing that the German government is controlled by a "deep state," needing to be overthrown.
The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office subsequently charged other wealthy individuals associated with the Reichsbürger network for conspiracy involvement. These high-ranking figures share similar beliefs and intentions with Prince Reuß and his cohorts.
In addition, investigations are underway into prominent Reichsbürger leaders within government ranks, hinting at further charges against these individuals.
Recent Developments
- Police Raids: Searches in February and March of 2023 targeted supporters of the Reichsburger movement, resulting in several arrests and seizures of properties.
Sources:
Enrichment Data Integration:
- Heinrich Ludwig Maria Joseph Maria Heinrich Prinz Reuß, commonly known as Heinrich XIII Prince Reuß:
- Intense Beliefs: The aristocrat openly supports the reinstatement of the monarchy and labels the modern German state as a foreign occupation. He accuses the Rothschild dynasty, a Jewish family renowned for their banking, of causing societal issues, fueling antisemitic sentiments and conspiracies of global control.
- Plot to Overthrow Government: The cell, with Prince Reuß as its allegedly primary leader, plotted to remove the German government and install an authoritarian system based on the German Empire model. Their strategy involved attacking critical infrastructure for nationwide blackouts and chaos.
- QAnon Affiliation: The group backed the QAnon conspiracy theory, which holds that the German government is influenced by a "deep state," requiring overthrowing.
- Birgit Malsack-Winkemann:
- Role in the Plot: As a judge and former AfD politician, Malsack-Winkemann joined the cell, planning to assault critical infrastructure and replace the government with an authoritarian system.
- Links to Neo-Nazi Gangs: Malsack-Winkemann and other suspects are reportedly associated with the Reichsburger movement and various neo-Nazi groups.
- Treason and Terrorism Charges:
- Five individuals charged with sedition and membership in a terrorist organization aimed to capture Germany's Health Minister and disrupt power supplies.
- Dozens of arrests and investigations were initiated between April and December 2022, with further detentions in December 2022 targeting 25 Reichsburger sympathizers, as they allegedly intended to attack the Bundestag. Many individuals with military connections, including officers and veterans, were linked to the plot.
Recent Raids and Investigations:
- February 2023: Over 70 police officers took part in raids targeting far-right preppers, resulting in the seizure of six apartments and three annexes. The operations targeted an alleged plot, aiming for a significant power outage and attempted government coup.
- March 2023: Employing intelligence on a potential plot, law enforcement conducted searches on 20 properties, leading to one officer's injury before the suspect's apprehension. These searches were a part of ongoing attempts to counter the Reichsburger movement's influence.
