The raids by around 60 police officers in Baden-Württemberg under the code name “Iron” recovered propaganda material and close to €10,000 in cash, public prosecutors in Stuttgart said.

The properties were used by six people including four said to be German citizens of Turkish origin, and two Turks aged between 42 and 51. One of them was an imam.

Police suspect them of collecting money to send abroad for terrorist purposes and to commit “seditious violence and the formation of a criminal organization.”

The Südwestrundfunk broadcaster said the main suspect was a 51-year-old who has previously been involved with a banned Islamic organization.

One of the suspects is also said to have boasted in the past that he would defend himself with weapons if police approached, which may have prompted the response by so many officers.

The Local/AFP/mdm