Neo-nazi inquiry into German special forces

SEVERAL suspected neonazis have been discovered in Germany’s special forces, prompting renewed questions about the level of extremist penetration of the Bundeswehr’s elite unit. A soldier in the Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), Germany’s version of the SAS, will be suspended this week after an investigation found links to far-right extremism, Bild am Sonntag reported.

Based in Calw in southern Germany, the KSK conducts secretive and dangerous missions, including anti-terrorism operations and hostage rescues in war zones.

The Bundeswehr’s counter-intelligence agency investigated the soldier over a period of months after receiving a tip-off from an informant. Investigators reportedly questioned why the corporal’s extremist views were never reported up the chain of command, despite him completing tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Two other soldiers are suspected of giving the Nazi salute – illegal in Germany – during a private party thrown by the corporal. One of the men has been suspended while an investigation into the other continues.

Concern that the elite forces had become a hotbed of extremism was raised last year when it became known that a KSK combatant played a central role in organising far-right “preppers” for a “Day X” breakdown in social order. Investigations into the group led to arrests, weapons seizures and the emergence of alleged “death lists” naming Left-wing politicians and activists.

A separate investigation into a highly decorated KSK soldier earlier this year led to his suspension over connections inside the far-right Identitarian movement.

In the autumn, a report in Der Spiegel claimed that more than two dozen investigations had been opened into KSK soldiers, a remarkably high number for a unit believed to contain some 1,100 servicemen.