Buenos Aires – Argentine authorities have arrested a man in Quilmes, a city near the southern edge of Buenos Aires, after discovering a significant collection of Nazi-era weapons and memorabilia in his possession, officials announced on Friday. The federal police confiscated over 60 firearms from the man’s home, including 43 rifles decorated with Nazi eagle symbols, 15 pistols, five bayonets, and a machine gun. The raid also uncovered a trove of Nazi paraphernalia, including flags, military uniforms, helmets, hats, and busts of Adolf Hitler.
The operation was conducted with assistance from personnel of the Buenos Aires Holocaust Museum to ensure adherence to Argentina’s national anti-discrimination laws, which prohibit the glorification of Nazi ideology. The suspect had been under surveillance following international collaboration with the federal police of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who implicated him in a broader investigation after his travels abroad. Argentina has a historical connection to post-World War II Nazi migration. Many high-ranking Nazi officials, including Adolf Eichmann, sought refuge in the country to evade war crimes trials.
This raid is not an isolated incident. Last year, Argentine security forces shut down a bookstore selling Nazi literature online, highlighting the ongoing vigilance against the proliferation of such materials in the country. Authorities continue to emphasize their commitment to combating hate and intolerance through legal enforcement and public awareness.