Authorities in the eastern German state of Saxony have launched an investigation after a 16-year-old boy was suspected of synthesizing the highly lethal biological toxin ricin in a makeshift laboratory in the attic of his family’s home. The boy remains at large as police continue their search.
On Thursday, law enforcement officials conducted a thorough search of the residence in the town of Zeithain, approximately 65 kilometers east of Leipzig, amid suspicions that the teenager had produced and stored multiple vials containing ricin and aconitine—both among the deadliest natural toxins known. The substances were reportedly kept in ampoules within the attic laboratory setup.
Ricin, derived from castor beans, is classified under Germany’s Weapons of War Act as a biological weapon due to its extreme lethality. Aconitine, sourced from plants such as wolfsbane, is a fast-acting poison that disrupts heart function. The presence of these toxins prompted a large-scale police operation, which included sealing off the area to secure public safety.
The Saxony State Office of Criminal Investigation and the Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office have confirmed that legal proceedings are underway for a possible violation of the Weapons of War Act. However, investigators have yet to uncover any information regarding the intended use or targets of the toxins.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, prosecutors have not issued an arrest warrant for the teenager, citing his lack of prior criminal history and the absence of grounds for detention at this stage.
This incident recalls previous ricin-related terror plots in Germany, such as the 2018 Cologne case where a Tunisian extremist was arrested for attempting to produce ricin for use as a bioweapon. That case highlighted the ongoing threat of bioterrorism in Europe, especially from individuals radicalized online and equipped with instructions for toxin production.
German authorities continue to monitor and investigate such threats closely, emphasizing the importance of intelligence and surveillance in preventing the misuse of deadly biological agents.
The investigation into the teenager’s activities is ongoing, with further updates expected as police efforts to locate him and secure the dangerous substances continue.
Sources:
DW News, “Germany: Teen's home searched over suspected ricin plot,” April 17, 2025
Yahoo News, “German police raid home of 16-year-old suspected of making ricin,” April 17, 2025
CTC Sentinel, “The June 2018 Cologne Ricin Plot: A New Threshold in Jihadi Bio Terror,” March 2022