Mongolian neo-Nazis rebranded as environmentalists

In recent years, ultra-nationalist groups have been spreading more and more in Mongolia. Among the most popular groups is the self-proclaimed neo-Nazi group Tsagaan Khass (White Swastika). She recently shifted her focus away from the issue of attacks on women by foreign men to environmental issues. Their main goal is to protect the environment from the interests of foreign mining companies. This ultra-nationalist group was founded in the 90s and now has over 100 active members.

“Our goal is to save nature. Previously, we called for fighting foreigners on the streets, but at some point we realized that this was ineffective. Now we are fighting with foreign companies,” said White Swastika leader Arinrbold Altankhum.

(Total 21 photos)

1. Uranyargal - the girl leader of the Tsagaan Hass group. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

According to Mongolian police colonel Tumenzhargal Sanzhargal, the growth of nationalist sentiment began about 15 years ago, when the first international companies entered the country. “Foreign inscriptions and signs appeared on the streets, incomprehensible to young children. In addition, when hiring Mongols, foreigners often deceived them and did not pay their entire salary. Of course, this led to conflicts, ”said the policeman.

2. Arjunbold and Uranyargal (left) at a building under construction, the contractor of which they suspect of illegal employment of foreign workers and violation of building regulations. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

3. Arjunbold and Uranyargal (left) - leaders of the ultra-nationalist group Tsagaan Khass. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

4. Another member of the Tsagaan Khass group is Chimedbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

5. Numerous tattoos on the back of one of the group members during a workout in the gym in Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

6. The leaders of the Tsagaan Khass group in front of the monument to Chingunzhav, the Mongolian national hero. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

7. Rings with a swastika and other symbols of the Nazi movements. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

8. Arjunbold Altankhum is the founder and main representative of the Tsagaan Khass group. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

9. Another participant in the movement is Dorbold. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

10. Even the seat covers in Arjunbold's car are decorated with a swastika. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

11. Arjunbold walks past a lingerie store as he leaves his group's headquarters in Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

12. Representatives of the Tsagaan Hass group leave the headquarters for the center of Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

13. Group leader Arjunbold at headquarters.

14. A portrait of Genghis Khan hangs in the headquarters, as in most Mongolian homes and institutions. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

15. Dambajuv is another member of the Wagaan Hass group. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

16. Neo-Nazis sent their observers in clothes with the image of a swastika to the mines of foreign mining companies. According to the new Mongolian ecologists, the development of mines is carried out in violation of safety rules and pollutes nearby areas. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

17. Smoke break! (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

18. Representatives of the group Tsagaan Khass communicate with the builder during the so-called "environmental patrol", 50 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

19. The mining sector makes up 90% of the entire economy of Mongolia, and attracting additional foreign labor is a major concern for the local population, a third of whom live below the poverty line. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

20. A representative of the Tsagaan Khass group in front of a traditional Mongolian yurt. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

21. The largest Mongolian gold and copper deposit, Ou Tolgoi, is 66% owned by the transnational corporation Rio Tinto. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)