A 16-year-old Italian of immigrant background has been arrested on suspicion of supporting ISIS and spreading jihadist propaganda, after investigators allegedly found a large collection of extremist material on his computer, including videos showing how to build an improvised explosive device.
The teenager was arrested by Milan police in Grosseto, where he was on vacation with his family. He is accused of participating in an association with the aim of international terrorism, as well as propaganda and incitement to commit crimes motivated by racial, ethnic and religious discrimination.
The investigation began following a report from Italy’s intelligence agency for internal security. The teenager had no criminal record, and his profile had never emerged in connection with radical circles. According to investigators, however, he regularly used an instant messaging platform to distribute jihadist and pro-ISIS propaganda.
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini commented on the arrest on social media, writing sarcastically: “Another ‘Italian’ boy of foreign origin, well-educated and perfectly integrated. Ready to build bombs in the name of Islamic terrorism…”
Investigators found a substantial quantity of digital files on the devices of the young man concerning the Islamic State, translated into several languages. The material included propaganda videos and images depicting training sessions and executions.
Investigators also uncovered several conversations in which the teenager explicitly expressed his support for ISIS. In those exchanges, he allegedly stated that he had previously helped produce propaganda content for the terrorist organization.
Among the seized material were also videos sharing instructions for manufacturing an improvised explosive device using readily available materials, bearing the Islamic State’s logo.
The material led investigators to conclude that the teenager’s radicalization had reached an advanced stage. Of particular concern were traces of conversations with members of Daesh, which contributed to the decision to seek precautionary measures against him.
The arrest marks another terrorism case in Italy involving a young man of foreign origin, highlighting the dangers of unregulated mass immigration into Europe. Earlier this year, a 21-year-old man of Moroccan descent was apprehended by police for planning an Islamist terror attack in Northern Italy.