Teenager unter Terrorverdacht: Die Russland-Verbindung der »White Tiger«-Szene | SPIEGEL PODCASTS

Overview

The episode examines how the online “Com” scene—also associated with the 764 violence network—is moving from digital abuse to real-world attacks. In these largely anonymous groups, members celebrate increasingly brutal acts for attention and status.

The scene’s outlook is described as nihilistic: destruction and chaos matter more than a coherent political program. It is not simply a conventional far-right movement, although it circulates Nazi imagery and extremist content, and its violence can overlap with far-right ideology.

Reported Incidents in Germany

Journalist Max Hoppenstedt Heinrichs describes how reporters traced videos and chat messages to incidents in the Stuttgart region. Cars were set on fire in Albershausen, causing an estimated €200,000 in damage. An apartment building burned in nearby Hütten, injuring two residents. Posts and edited videos in the groups appeared to claim or celebrate such acts.

The research organization Cemas has identified roughly a dozen cases in which online posts appear to match real-world violence, while warning that the total may be higher.

Investigation into “Stalk”

The episode focuses on a group administered by a user called “Stalk,” whom investigators believe is 19-year-old Kai M. He is accused of encouraging knife attacks and sexual abuse, involving minors in violent acts, and helping incite arson.

The Federal Prosecutor General has taken over the case and alleges that Kai M. was part of a terrorist organization. His lawyer says he regrets his online actions and was seeking recognition and belonging. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations have not been tested at trial.

Possible Russian Connection

A possible Russian connection is treated as a serious but unproven hypothesis. A Russian-speaking user known as “Fläster” reportedly posted images of ruble banknotes and offered money for arson. This is an unusual incentive in a scene where recognition and violent content typically function as rewards.

Ukrainian authorities have separately alleged that Russian intelligence manipulated teenagers through online groups to plan school attacks. The episode cautions that Ukraine is a party to the war and that these claims have not been independently confirmed by other services.

German authorities are also examining whether Russian actors could use young people as disposable agents, but there is no established evidence tying Russia to the German cases. Security officials also note that the scene’s unpredictable, amateur participants may be difficult for an intelligence service to control.

Conclusion

Authorities are taking the threat more seriously, with several investigations and arrests in Germany. However, arrests can prompt copycat activity, and violent material continues to circulate on platforms including Telegram and Discord.

The possible Russian role remains a hypothesis, not a proven conclusion.

Presenters and Contributors

• Presenters: Sandra Sperber and Max Hoppenstedt Heinrichs
• Reporting: Roman Höfner
• Production: Marco Kasang
• Fact-checking: Janis Frech
• Concept: Kete Bergmann
• Editorial approval: Leoni Voss
• Music and post-production: Philipp Fackler