Militant Neo-Nazi Network prioritizes Recruitment Through Leisure Activities,German Intelligence Warns
Nuremberg,Germany – A recent report by the German intelligence agency,Cemas,detailed strategies employed by “Active Clubs,” a growing network of militant neo-Nazi groups,to recruit young people through seemingly innocuous leisure activities. The findings, highlighted by Der Rechte Rand magazine, reveal a intentional effort to downplay overt political messaging in favor of fostering a sense of community and fun.
Patrick Schröder, described as an “Active Instructor,” advocates for recruiting individuals with martial arts experience from mainstream associations to train members. He also suggests utilizing AI-generated imagery to inflate the perceived size of groups. Schröder advises against appearing “too political,” instead emphasizing “community feeling and enthusiasm for sports” while subtly expressing opposition to “multiculturalism.” He explicitly encourages adopting the American “Active Clubs” motto, “Make Fascism Fun,” advocating for activities like excursions, paintball, and concerts, stating, “the enemy hates it when he sees that we have fun and a good time!”
The Cemas assessment, prompted by a request from Bundestag member Martina renner of the LINKE party, concludes that the “violence and threat potential” from “Active Clubs” is ”potentially considerable” due to their rapid expansion, strong recruitment efforts, and the ideological influence of its founders. The agency also fears that the increasing number of martial arts-focused “Active Clubs” in Germany will contribute to a rise in right-wing extremism.
The report notes that the AfD party’s appeal to “20% of young people” presents a significant recruitment opportunity, even among those not actively engaged in political debate, as many participate in activities like football, martial arts, and travel.
A photograph accompanying the report shows Patrick Schröder at an AfD event in Nuremberg in 2021 alongside Lukas Suttner,his later successor as managing director of “Nemesis Production GmbH” (associated with the pseudonym “Ansgar Aryan”).
