Iranian suspected of chemical terror plot held in Germany

BERLIN - An Iranian man suspected of preparing an “Islamist attack” using cyanide and ricin has been arrested in western Germany, police and prosecutors said on Sunday.

Munster police and the Dusseldorf prosecutors’ office said in a press release that officers searched a residence in the town of Castrop-Rauxel for “toxic substances” intended to be used for an attack.

The 32-year-old Iranian was “suspected of having prepared a serious act of violence threatening the security of the state by obtaining cyanide and ricin with a view to committing an Islamist attack”, said investigators.

Another person was arrested during the operation and taken into custody, they added.

The main suspect will be presented in the coming days to an investigating judge ahead of possible pre-trial detention, investigators said.

Ricin is a highly toxic substance, which is classed as a “chemical weapon” in Germany. Similar to cyanide, ricin can be lethal.

Germany has been targeted in recent years by several militant attacks, including a

2016 truck attack on a Christmas market

that killed 12 people and left dozens injured. A 13th victim died five years later having suffered serious injuries in the assault.

News about Sunday’s raid comes a month after German authorities arrested 25 members and supporters of a far-right group that the prosecutor’s office said was preparing a violent overthrow of the state. AFP, REUTERS