Italian police have arrested a 16-year-old Italian national of foreign origin on charges of participating in an international terrorism association and inciting violence motivated by racial, ethnic, and religious hatred. The teenager, a resident of the Como province, was taken into custody in Grosseto, where he was vacationing with his family.
The investigation was launched following a tip from Italy's domestic intelligence agency (AISI) regarding an internet user spreading jihadist and pro-Islamic State content. Authorities found extensive digital material linked to the Islamic State on the suspect's devices, including propaganda videos depicting training sessions and executions, as well as chat conversations expressing support for the group. Investigators also seized a Russian-language video bearing the Islamic State logo that detailed the construction of an improvised explosive device.
The suspect's online profiles also contained neo-Nazi and antisemitic material, and investigators said he claimed to have collaborated in producing propaganda content. The operation was led by the Milan police anti-terrorism unit.