Major plot to overthrow German government led by 'Prince Heinrich XIII' exposed

A 71-year-old man, nicknamed Heinrich XIII, is believed to be at the heart of plans by Germany's far-right group, which calls itself the Reich Citizens' Movement

Riot police monitor the scene with right-wing protesters in the area in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin (

Image: CLEMENS BILAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Twenty-five members of a far-right group are in custody for plotting to overthrow the German government after nationwide raids this morning.

Agents carried out searches in 11 of Germany's 16 states against members of the so-called Reich Citizens' Movement, DPA reported, citing federal prosecutors.

Some members of the organization reject the post-war German constitution and have called for the overthrow of the government in Berlin.

A 71-year-old man, nicknamed Heinrich XIII, is said to be at the center of the mafia's plan. Cops said they arrested two ringleaders during the operation, reports the BBC.

The weekly Der Spiegel reported that the places excavated included the barracks of the German special forces unit KSK in the southwestern town of Calw.

Cops believe they arrested two ringleaders during the National Raids (

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Getty Images)

In the past, the unit has come under scrutiny due to the alleged far-right involvement of some soldiers.

Raids took place across much of the country and two people were arrested in Austria and Italy, German news agency DPA reported. Those detained were to be questioned later in the day.

Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann tweeted that a major anti-terrorist operation was underway and that an "armed attack on constitutional bodies was planned".

The federal prosecutor said the group had been plotting a violent coup since November 2021.