Spanish authorities have arrested 10 Pakistani nationals on terrorism charges following a large-scale operation targeting an alleged extremist network accused of inciting violence.
The arrests, made on March 3, took place in various locations, including Montcada i Reixac, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Sabadell, and Santa Coloma de Gramenet, as part of a joint operation between the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalan police), Spanish National Police, and Italian law enforcement. One additional suspect was arrested in Piacenza, Italy.
The recent arrests bring the total number of individuals detained in connection with the investigation to 30, following previous operations in 2022 and 2023, which saw the detention of 19 other suspects. Authorities have confirmed that the group’s operations were based solely within Spain, with no external connections established so far.
The group is believed to have been led by a 55-year-old Pakistani national, who authorities describe as the ringleader. Investigators have linked the network to an extremist organization that utilized encrypted messaging platforms to promote violence and glorify attacks carried out in Europe and Pakistan, often linked to accusations of blasphemy. Members of the group are reported to have started identifying specific targets for potential attacks in Europe.
Authorities also uncovered a separate online group, led by one of the arrested women, made up exclusively of female members. This group is alleged to have spread extremist propaganda and assisted in selecting targets for violence.
The network was reportedly self-financed, with members making regular contributions to fund its operations.
The 10 arrested individuals were presented before Spain’s Central Investigating Court No. 6 on March 6, facing charges related to terrorism financing, recruitment, and aiding extremism. The court, working with Spain’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, has ordered the detention of four suspects, while others remain under investigation.
