Arrests in Castrop-Rauxel: investigators search two garages

After the anti-terrorist operation in Castrop-Rauxel because of suspected Islamist attack plans, investigators examine two garages. They would be “assigned” to one of the two arrested yesterday, according to the Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office.

In connection with the arrests in Castrop-Rauxel, the police have been investigating two garages since the morning. Another search warrant had been obtained, which is currently being enforced, said a spokesman for the Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office. The television station “Welt” had previously reported.

Investigations had shown that the arrested 32-year-old had the two garages in a backyard in Castrop-Rauxel, the public prosecutor said. Previously, there had been a corresponding witness reference. The so-called Analytical Task Force of the fire brigade is also on duty to ensure safe handling of potentially hazardous substances. It is not yet possible to estimate how long the operation will last.

Two brothers between the ages of 32 and 25 were arrested on Sunday night. The two Iranians are said to have tried to procure poison for an Islamist-motivated attack. According to the Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office, the corresponding toxins cyanide and ricin were not found when the 32-year-old’s apartment was searched. An arrest warrant was issued against the two brothers on Sunday evening.

Reul criticizes hesitation in politics

After the anti-terrorist operation in Castrop-Rauxel, the North Rhine-Westphalian Minister of the Interior, Herbert Reul, criticized the politicians’ hesitation in obtaining information online. “The important thing is that you know early on who is planning what,” said the CDU politician ARD morning magazine.

He doesn’t understand why Germany is having such a hard time here and not using the opportunities that are available. “We are very reserved in Germany.” International cooperation among the security authorities, on the other hand, works so well that information is transmitted very quickly. The police were able to make all the preparations “from one day to the next” and arrest the young men.

It was initially unclear how concretely the possible attack plans had progressed and what a possible target would have been. The German investigators had become active because of a tip from colleagues from the USA. According to “Bild” it is the FBI.