Spanish police arrest alleged organizer behind Barcelona looting last Saturday

Spain's Civil Guard police force arrested the alleged founder and primary driving force behind the 'Blocus' movement in Spain on Friday in the province of Valencia. 'Blocus' groups on messaging platforms were reportedly used to organize looting and vandalism in Barcelona last Saturday.

The 20-year-old suspect is accused of creating and administering Telegram groups used to coordinate the movement's actions. According to the Civil Guard, he presented himself on social media as the person in charge of the movement in Spain. 

This arrest follows six others made between Thursday and Friday across Spain: three in Catalonia, two in the Valencian Community, and one in Bilbao.

Recruitment began via TikTok videos and posters, created using AI and featuring QR codes, which directed interested individuals to WhatsApp and Telegram groups, and subsequently to private channels.

The organizers requested that links be shared within class groups and other school-related spaces, which facilitated the reach of these calls to action among minors.

The acts under investigation could constitute the offenses of aggravated public disorder and criminal organization, the police force said.

Arrests in Catalonia

The Catalan police, the Mossos d'Esquadra, also arrested three young people linked to the "Blocus" groups. 

On Friday, around noon, officers apprehended an 18-year-old, explaining that he was one of the organizers of a 'Blocus' group dedicated to promoting criminal acts. 

He is the third person arrested in Catalonia in connection with similar events, following the arrests of two minors, one who coordinated a group in Lleida and another who coordinated the group in Barcelona.

On Thursday night, the Mossos arrested a 17-year-old in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, in the Alt Penedès region, for his alleged role in organizing and coordinating acts of vandalism in Barcelona through 'Blocus' communication channels.

The arrest stems from the teenager's alleged participation in an instant messaging group used to organize and coordinate looting, public disorder and acts inciting violence against police officers. 

According to the investigation, he shared the link to join the group and took an active part in the discussions. In the course of that involvement, he allegedly gave instructions on what equipment to bring, ways to avoid police detection and guidelines for self-protection. 

He is also accused of inciting other participants to commit violent acts and of suggesting potential targets for looting.

On Thursday, the Mossos also arrested a minor in Bellmunt d'Urgell, in the Noguera region, accusing him of creating and administering the "Blocus" channels for the Lleida area.

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are not ruled out.

Catalan President Salvador Illa said the authorities will continue to act "with determination" to make sure anyone who commits a crime "faces the consequences." 

"We were very clear," Illa said. "There will be no impunity for the acts of violence and vandalism that took place in Barcelona on October 24."

Following the looting last weekend, the Mossos are depolying more than 300 officers as they prepare for three demonstrations scheduled for Saturday.

Meanwhile, city-centre businesses are weighing up precautions, with some preparing to close early while others hope to trade as normal.