Blitz against Neo-Nazis: attacks also planned against Prime Minister Meloni. A network of hatred and subversive plans dismantled. 12 arrests.

A major operation by Italian law enforcement has led to the arrest of 12 people belonging to a supremacist and neo-Nazi organization, known as Werwolf Division, later renamed New Dawn Division. Coordinated by the Bologna Public Prosecutor's Office with the collaboration of other District Anti-Terrorism Directorates, the investigation revealed a disturbing picture of subversive plans, ideological propaganda and preparation of violent actions.

The structure of the organization

The association was inspired by the Werwolf Division Nazis of World War II, clandestine sabotage and guerrilla units. The leaders had assigned each member a specific role: Daniele Trevisani was the “commander,” Andrea Ziosi the “editor,” and Salvatore Nicotra the “instructor.” These leaders, along with nine other arrestees, had structured a hierarchical organization with the aim of subverting the democratic order to establish an ethical and authoritarian state based on the supremacy of the Aryan race.

Subversive projects and training

According to investigators, the neo-Nazi cell was not limited to ideological propaganda, but was already in an advanced operational phase. The suspects had discussed and planned serious attacks, including one against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, considered a “fascist who persecutes fascists”. Intercepted conversations reveal horrifying details: reconnaissance near Palazzo Chigi and Montecitorio, training of potential guerrillas and the search for snipers.

The group had also started a training activity, documented by meetings and propaganda material. One of the flyers found in 2022 in Emilia featured the image of an armed man with a skull mask and the Nazi black sun symbol, inciting violent revolt.

Propaganda and recruitment

The organization operated mainly on Telegram, with dedicated groups such as Werwolf Division Discussions e New Dawn Movement. Through these channels, members spread supremacist and neo-Nazi ideas, including Holocaust denial and Aryan supremacy, and recruited new followers.

The propaganda was not limited to online: in the Bologna area, leaflet distributions and in-person meetings to train “warriors” were documented. Among those under investigation are also two minors and a 14-year-old who, realizing the seriousness of the activities, decided to cut off contact.

Connections with other organizations

The investigation has highlighted links between the Werwolf Division and another subversive association called Order of Hagal, disbanded in 2022. The interaction between these two cells underscores the nationwide reach of a well-organized extremist network, which aimed to recruit and train young people.

Judicial measures

The operation, which involved the Digos of several Italian cities, led to the execution of 12 precautionary measures in prison and 25 house searches. The interventions took place in several cities, including Bologna, Milano, Palermo, and Rome.

The charges against the group's members include propaganda and proselytism, incitement to racial hatred, preparation of terrorist acts and possession of subversive material. Among those arrested is 76-year-old Joe Fallisi, a tenor from Puglia accused of being the administrator of one of the Telegram groups.

A concrete threat

For investigating judge Nadia Buttelli, the group's subversive project was not merely theoretical: the violent plans were supported by concrete training and the active search for weapons. The investigators' reconstruction confirms that the group was ready to risk everything for its objectives, drawing inspiration from models such as the Nuclei Armati Rivoluzionari of the 70s.

The operation against the Werwolf Division represents a significant blow to supremacist and neo-Nazi networks in Italy. However, it also highlights the need for constant monitoring of digital platforms and the territory to prevent the rooting and action of these extremist organizations.