German man allegedly incited boy to murder in chat room

2026-08-20

Germany’s Federal Prosecutor General is investigating a young German man accused of using online chats to encourage other people, including minors, to commit serious crimes in several countries.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly persuaded a minor boy in Russia to kill another child with a knife at a school. He is also accused of encouraging teenagers in the United States and Sweden to set vehicles on fire.

The investigation was taken over by the Bundesanwaltschaft (Federal Prosecutor General’s Office) in Karlsruhe because of the suspected links to organized online groups. Authorities believe the young man acted as a leading figure within both a terrorist organization and a criminal association.

The allegations reportedly involve more than murder and arson. Investigators are also examining claims that the suspect encouraged or facilitated other serious offenses, including rape and the sexual abuse of children.

Authorities say the suspect was involved in the online groups when he was still a teenager and later as a young adult. Investigators are now examining his role and the extent of his influence over other members of the groups.

The case has drawn attention because the alleged crimes were coordinated through online communication rather than traditional face-to-face criminal networks. Investigators are looking into how the groups operated and how suspects were recruited or encouraged to carry out violent acts.

The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Bundesanwaltschaft is continuing to examine the online activities, the suspected organizations and the individual crimes allegedly connected to the case.