The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office (Bundesanwaltschaft) has officially brought charges against eight young people suspected of belonging to the right-wing extremist terrorist group “Last Wave of Defense” (Letzte Verteidigungswelle, L.V.W.). Seven of them are charged with membership in a terrorist organization, and one with supporting such an organization. The charges also include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and causing grievous bodily harm.
According to investigators, the group, founded in May 2024, saw itself as the “last resort” for protecting the “German nation.” Its members planned to escalate violence against migrants, political opponents, and left-wing activists with the aim of destabilizing and destroying Germany’s democratic system. The defendants were between 14 and 21 years old at the time of the alleged crimes; some of them are still minors.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office attributes three incidents and plans for attacks to the group:
Arson attack on a cultural center in Altdeben (Brandenburg) in October 2024.
An unsuccessful attempt to attack a refugee shelter in Schmölne (Thuringia) with fireworks in early 2025.
Plans to attack an asylum seekers’ shelter in Senftenberg (Brandenburg).
In addition, several members of the group are accused of luring and beating people they considered to be “pedophiles” or political opponents, resulting in serious injuries to the victims. No one died as a result of these incidents, but the investigation emphasizes the high potential for danger.
The group was uncovered in May 2025 during large-scale police raids in several federal states. Five teenagers were arrested, and weapons and bomb-making instructions were seized. The investigation revealed that the members communicated in messenger chat rooms, where they discussed plans and coordinated their actions. Three of the defendants are considered to be the leaders of the group.
German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig called the case “an alarming signal,” stressing that “right-wing extremist terrorism knows no age.” Experts note a rise in radicalization among young people in the online space, where hate speech is becoming the norm for an entire generation.
This case highlights the ongoing threat of right-wing extremism in Germany, especially against the backdrop of the growing popularity of far-right ideas in the eastern states. Federal authorities continue to monitor such groups in order to prevent an escalation of violence.