Austrian Police Conduct Raids on Group for Multiple Targeted Hate Crimes

15 people have been arrested in Austria for hate crimes which specifically targeted the LGBTQ+ community. 

On Friday 21st March, 400 police officers took part in raids at 23 locations in seven Austrian provinces in connection with this case, according to the police. 

Twelve men and three women between the ages of 14-26 were arrested for using social media to lure LGBTQ+ to isolated areas and assaulting them. 

In a post by Styria State police on X they said, “The group claimed that its actions were aimed at pedophiles,” the police have not found any evidence to support that claim.  

The group first started using social media to target the LGBTQ+ community in May 2024 and police said that the group "acted under the guise of vigilantism". 

According to the police 17 cases have been identified thus far and they believe there may be more unreported cases. 

Weapons and Nazi memorabilia were reportedly found while the raids were being conducted. 

Discrimination in Europe seems to be at a concerning high in Europe according to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights who in their most recent report said that they are seeing "more violence, harassment and bullying" than before.