German special-operations officers arrested a 27-year-old Bosnian-Herzegovinian man in Essen on Wednesday during coordinated anti-terror raids across western Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia state. The operation, led by Essen police and the Düsseldorf General Prosecutor’s Office, simultaneously searched six properties in Essen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Soest. Investigators say the suspect financed preparations for a potential Islamist attack by ordering high-end electronics, failing to pay for them and then reselling the goods, generating at least a five-figure euro sum. The inquiry began as a probe into organised commercial fraud before uncovering evidence that the proceeds were earmarked for terrorism. Officials stressed that the raids were intended to halt any further planning and to secure evidence. The detainee is expected to appear before an investigating judge later in the day. Interior Minister Herbert Reul praised the swift intervention and warned that anyone plotting attacks in the state should expect decisive police action. Additional suspects and witnesses are being questioned as the investigation continues.