Brazilian and US authorities have arrested four members of a neo-Nazi group accused of plotting a wave of attacks on New Year's Eve, targeting Jewish and black residents. The arrests were made on December 16 as part of a joint operation, with one suspect confessing to plans to use explosives during festivities in São Paulo state.
The 43-year-old suspect, identified as Matheus Hades NS, worked as a security guard in Campinas and allegedly recruited younger individuals to bomb a nuclear plant in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro. In a recorded confession, he stated he intended to 'kill and then commit suicide', sparing only those he deemed 'good, honest, hardworking people'.
The other three suspects were arrested in Suzano (São Paulo), Campos dos Goytacazes, and Valença (Rio de Janeiro). Authorities seized homemade bombs, weapons, documents detailing attack plans, and Nazi paraphernalia during 31 search warrants across seven Brazilian states.
The plot was uncovered on May 8 when US Homeland Security Investigations agents in Brasília alerted Brazilian authorities to the group's use of US-based internet platforms to incite violence. Subsequent investigations revealed potential targets, leading to the coordinated raids. HSI Acting Attaché Patrick Chen praised the international collaboration, stating it prevented a 'possible mass casualty event'.
