A heart attack was the moment of personal revelation and supposed divine connection that served as the catalyst for the leader of an association to embark on his grand work allegedly for the common good. For this purpose, they needed their followers to make contributions, divest themselves of their possessions and properties, and follow other instructions, such as obtaining weapons to defend themselves when a new world order arrived. The Civil Guard has arrested the main members of this illicit collective in Cáceres, seizing more than 80 weapons and numerous ammunition. Three people have been arrested and eight people are being investigated for illicit association and fraud. Investigators estimate that they may have defrauded one million euros, based on the deposits made in the organization’s bank accounts. The number of victims is around one hundred, but it could be higher as there are more individuals involved who may not have reported out of fear.
The leader of the organization exploited his supposed divine connection, experienced during the heart attack, to spread his personal mission, according to sources familiar with the case. Following this experience, he created the association and conceived various products, such as books or mugs, to raise funds for social aid projects. He also established a hunting association. One of his followers eventually reported him after realizing that his story didn’t add up, and other former members affected by the situation also came forward. This initiated an investigation, dubbed Operation Hervasio by the Civil Guard, which has led the main suspects to the Court of First Instance Number 2 in Plasencia (Cáceres). Two of the arrested individuals have been released with the obligation to appear every 15 days and are accused of threats, coercion, belonging to a criminal group, and fraud, according to sources from the Higher Court of Justice of Extremadura. The court still has many proceedings ahead, including taking witness statements.
The individuals arrested include the leader’s wife and son, who died during the investigation, as well as close collaborators residing in the provinces of Cáceres, Toledo, Córdoba, and Pontevedra. The main figure of the association is also allegedly involved in crimes of threats, coercion, misappropriation, injuries, and breach of trust. A significant portion of the money they raised was reportedly being invested in weapons, as stated by the Civil Guard. Investigators estimate that around 42,000 euros were allocated for this purpose. Additionally, they persuaded key collaborators to obtain as many firearms licenses as possible, especially for sports pistols.
During the raids, more than 80 weapons valued at 73,000 euros were found, including decommissioned war weapons and compressed air guns. Long gun suppressors and 7,600 metal cartridges of various calibers were also discovered. Inside the homes, 64,000 euros in cash and computer equipment (computers, mobile phones, and tablets) valued at around 20,000 euros were seized. Numerous bank accounts of the association and individuals under investigation have also been frozen.
