Bolzano – On the morning of October 24, 2026, the Carabinieri carried out a large-scale operation in the province of Bolzano targeting two suspected far-right youth groups. Acting on behalf of the Bolzano Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Bolzano Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office, 21 searches were conducted at the residences of an equal number of suspects. They are accused of spreading propaganda and inciting racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination, as well as of denigrating the Republic and its constitutional institutions. Additional charges include grand theft, breach of the peace, and property damage.
An investigation by the Bolzano Provincial Command of the Carabinieri revealed that, since 2025, the suspects had formed two youth groups called „Aktverein Kaltern“ and „Snusboys-Koltern.“ These groups were primarily active in Kaltern an der Weinstraße and used social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram to disseminate their content. There, they posted messages and symbols associated with white supremacy and Nazi iconography, including neo-Nazi slogans such as „Sieg Heil“ and the number „88.“.
Far-right Activities and Seizures
In addition to online content, the documented criminal offenses also include specific acts. In November 2025, the youths in Kaltern stole a Carabinieri traffic sign belonging to the municipality, behind which they later posed for photos giving the Nazi salute. The sign was later returned. They are also alleged to have defaced public and private buildings with far-right slogans and symbols attributed to the group „Aktverein Kaltern.“.
Some members of the groups are also said to have ties to extremist fan groups associated with the Kaltern ice hockey club. During the searches, which were conducted by cybercrime specialists with the support of a Carabinieri helicopter, investigators seized items such as stickers and T-shirts that can be linked to the groups. The analysis of the seized IT devices is still ongoing. The accused are presumed innocent.
