In the region of Murcia, Spain, an organized criminal group was recently arrested for extorting a local businessman. The group threatened the businessman with photos of his family taken over the course of a year in different locations, along with a 9mm Parabellum cartridge and a demand for 100,000 euros. The four individuals involved, who had no prior criminal records, were investigated for membership in a criminal group, extortion, and illegal possession of weapons. The leader of the group, who has been incarcerated, was found to have a workshop where he manufactured explosives, and two devices were seized, one of which was hidden in a backpack.
The investigation, which began in April and was carried out by the Murcia Information Brigade and the General Information Commissioner’s Office, revealed that the suspects had different roles within the group. Those responsible for the operational aspects had jobs related to security and were part of a group called the Citizen Action Group, created in 2020. Their manifesto expressed opposition to political parties, lack of faith in the justice system, and targeting of businesspeople connected to the regional or municipal government who benefited personally from public funds.
Initially focusing on extortion attempts and possession of explosive substances, the judicial proceedings could potentially lead to terrorism charges if sufficient evidence is found. The searches at the primary suspect’s residence turned up two explosive devices with gasoline canisters, firearms, ammunition, and other related items. The devices were described as ready for use at any moment, with one set up with a delayed detonation mechanism inside a backpack. The operation concluded with the arrests in various locations in the Murcia region.
The dismantled group had described itself in a constitution letter sent to the media as a civilian, armed, and independent organization operating outside of what they viewed as a biased or ineffective justice system. They targeted individuals associated with satellite companies linked to the regional government, individuals profiting from public resources, and those connected to government institutions benefiting financially from their positions. The group’s leader also established an online platform called the Citizen Resistance Platform to spread their ideology and recruit supporters. The platform advocated for the elimination of national political parties and increased public intervention in government administration.
During the operation, law enforcement seized surveillance devices, voice distorters, night vision goggles, mobile phones, and computer equipment used in the group’s alleged extortion activities. The searches uncovered posters with slogans criticizing energy management policies and advocating for public control of utilities. Additionally, materials related to other citizen resistance platforms and a manual from the Coordinated Anarchist Group, responsible for a bombing at the Basilica of Pilar in Zaragoza in 2012, were found. The investigation continues in collaboration with judicial authorities to further examine the evidence and potential charges against the suspects.
