The right-wing extremist identity movement is repeatedly struck in Germany for crimes. Recently, however, there was again excitement about the group, especially in Austria: The charge was indeed acquitted in several instances of the accusation of founding a criminal organization. But a donation from the assassin of Christchurch to Martin Sellner, co-head of the movement, caused great criticism. And now threatened by further cash flows legal consequences.

According to a report by the Austrian newspaper "Der Standard", the prosecutor's office of Graz investigates the identity and suspects a tax evasion "of more than 100,000 euros".

From this height, dishes are switched on. The actual value is not fixed yet, but according to the report it should be much higher. Investigations are also underway against Sellner - as well as against Patrick Lenart, former co-chief of the group. In addition, there are about 20 more people, four associations and three clubs.

Mock clubs should pay to the identities

The identities in Austria are not themselves an official organization. According to the prosecutors, there are three clubs that make up the movement together. It's about:

  • the Association for International Understanding and Youth Work in Graz
  • the association for the preservation and promotion of cultural identity
  • the association for living culture and customs in Upper Austria

According to the investigation, the Identitarian Movement uses the clubs among other things to make payments to the leadership of the group and to expand their own network. In addition, the activities of the clubs increase sales through merchandising articles at the company Phalanx, from which Sellner and Lenart profit as unlimited partners.

Accounts with more than 1.1 million euros

All these points lead to the fact that the public prosecutor's office according to the results of investigations with the clubs no non-profit see, it is further. Tax privileges would have "unfairly claimed", the report quotes the investigators.

Payments to members of the Identitarian Movement thus work according to the prosecution:

  • The identities organize propaganda campaigns for the clubs
  • The clubs gain donations
  • Payments are made to leading members of the group on a regular basis

These payments have "wage character", quoted "the standard" from the internal representation of the prosecutor. Overall, it is about a lot of money: the investigators have so far found more than 1.1 million euros on the examined accounts. Receivers of the payments were among other things Sellner and Lenart as well as further identities. The problem: the people involved did not pay payroll taxes or employers' contributions.

And the investigations are still ongoing. The prosecution is now investigating numerous accounts abroad - for example in Hungary, Slovakia, Great Britain and also in Germany.