Headline: Takedown of Neo-Nazi Militant Group "KO 51" in Eisenach Following Alleged Terrorist Activities
Investigation probes into the enigmatic 'Knockout 51' case - Investigative search warrants for the "Knockout 51" inquiry
Gear up for an inside look at the takedown of the infamous neo-Nazi militant group "KO 51" in Eisenach, Germany. Here's a glimpse of their history, activities, attempts to establish a "Nazi neighborhood", and the recent police raids:
The Origin of KO 51
KO 51 was co-founded in Eisenach, boasting a hierarchical structure. Their primary means of recruitment were martial arts training sessions, held regularly on Thursdays and Sundays. The name "KO 51" derives from the city's vehicle registration initials (E = 5th letter, A = 1st letter of the alphabet). Their core youth membership consisted of around 20 individuals, with the regular attendees numbering around 5 to 15[1].
From Martial Arts to Terrorism
Originally centered on martial arts, the group allegedly radicalized into a terrorist organization around April 2021. This shift followed a series of left-wing extremist attacks targeting them, their scene bar "Bull´s Eye" in Eisenach, and other right-wing symbols[1].
The Bundeskriminalamt (Federal Criminal Police Office) and the Bundesanwaltschaft (Federal Prosecutor's Office) classify KO 51 as a terrorist group. This designation led to ongoing legal proceedings, including a trial at the Oberlandesgericht (Higher Regional Court) in Jena[1][4].
Aiming for a Nazi Neighborhood
The group aggressively sought to establish a "Nazi neighborhood" in Eisenach, aiming to create a right-wing extremist stronghold. This involved dominating local youth culture via martial arts training and using violence and intimidation to enforce their presence[1].
Recent Police Raids and Investigations
In early May 2025, the Landeskriminalamt (State Criminal Police) conducted raids in Eisenach on three men and one woman between 18 and 28 years old, thought to be affiliated with KO 51. These searches are part of ongoing investigations into the group's further activities and support network. The authorities are probing alleged terrorist activities and efforts to expand their influence[3].
The Threat posed by KO 51
KO 51 embodies the merging of militant sports culture and far-right extremism, posing a significant threat to regional security in Thuringia, Germany. By recruiting youth and aiming to create a "Nazi neighborhood," this group demonstrated their determination to spread their ideology and gain power locally[1][3][4]. Stay informed and stay safe as the investigations continue.
- European Eye on Racism and Antisemitism (EURIAS) - Europa durch Augen
- [DRBL
- The community and employment policies should address the recruitment tactics of extremist groups like KO 51, who have exploited martial arts sessions for radicalization.
- The recent police raids in Eisenach targeted individuals associated with KO 51, a neo-Nazi militant group, signifying the importance of enforcing stricter employment policies to prevent such individuals from holding positions that could pose a threat to public safety.
- The ongoing legal proceedings against KO 51, classified as a terrorist group by the Bundeskriminalamt and Bundesanwaltschaft, highlight the need for comprehensive general-news and crime-and-justice policies to counter extremist activities.
- The alleged terrorist activities of KO 51, including attempts to establish a "Nazi neighborhood" and expand their influence, underscore the significance of formulating robust community policies to safeguard local populations and combat extremist ideologies.
