Authorities have apprehended 12 individuals linked to a neo-Nazi group accused of planning to assassinate Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The group, known as the ‘Werewolf Division,’ reportedly aimed to incite civil unrest and establish an authoritarian regime based on Aryan supremacy. Investigations led by anti-terror police revealed plans for violent attacks, targeting high-ranking officials to advance their agenda.
The operation involved coordinated raids across Italy, during which police searched 25 properties. The search uncovered Nazi insignia, fascist paraphernalia, and various knives, but no firearms or explosives were found. The ‘Werewolf Division’ allegedly communicated through the messaging platform Telegram, discussing potential tactics and training sessions in clandestine online and in-person meetings, according to investigators.
Reports suggest the group’s plans were in advanced stages, with plots to shoot Meloni as she exited the parliament among their alleged schemes. Police intercepted conversations that suggest members were conducting reconnaissance missions in Rome, positioning themselves in strategic locations around the capital.
The group’s leadership comprised three principal figures. Daniele Trevisani, is the purported ideological leader. Andrea Ziosi, allegedly handled communications with foreign cells. Salvatore Nicotra, known as ‘the instructor,’ tasked with militarily training recruits. These members reportedly interacted with jihadist groups, sharing methodologies to achieve mutual goals of destabilizing the Italian government.
The investigation also uncovered attempts to recruit minors and encourage participation in the movement’s activities. The group’s rhetoric included the denial of the Holocaust and derogatory statements targeting racial and ethnic minorities.
Authorities were able to trace the group’s activities partly due to evidence from a prior investigation into a similar organization. Known as ‘The Order of Hagal,’ it was dismantled in 2022.
show less
