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Spanish Authorities Smash Neo-Nazi Paramilitary Network, Arresting Leaders Across the Nation

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This footage was filmed and produced 16 December 2023.

In a sweeping operation, Spanish authorities have arrested eleven leaders of an illicit paramilitary association with Nazi ideology. The arrests spanned multiple provinces, and an additional 11 individuals are under investigation for crimes including illicit association, defamation of state institutions, assault, illegal possession of weapons, and the promotion of hatred, discrimination, and violence towards various groups.

The paramilitary group operated with a hierarchical structure, utilizing military ranks and distinctive elements such as their own anthem, flag, and a "headquarters" located in Malaga. The investigation and subsequent arrests unfolded across Almeria, Alicante, Bizkaia, Castellon, Jaen, La Rioja, Madrid, Malaga, Navarra, Pontevedra, Segovia, Sevilla, Teruel, Toledo, Valencia, and Zaragoza.

During eight raids in Malaga and Roquetas de Mar (Almeria), law enforcement seized ten firearms, over 9,000 cartridges, explosive precursors, 34 bottles of sulfuric acid, and numerous prohibited weapons including brass knuckles, kubotans, automatic knives, and defensive sprays. The authorities also uncovered extensive propaganda materials promoting neo-Nazi ideology.

The investigation commenced in November 2021, triggered by the online dissemination of hate-filled videos by one of the leaders. The individual, with a significant following, advocated for the formation of an "army" to overthrow the established regime, urging followers to arm themselves.

Several followers created a self-proclaimed "military order" with a supremacist character, led by individuals identifying as "captain general" and "commander," with territorial captains at the provincial level. The association conducted physical and virtual meetings, maintaining a "headquarters" in the province of Malaga.

The detained leaders provided directives to "arm themselves," leading some members to obtain weapon licenses and acquire firearms. The operation, led by the Hate Crimes Prosecutor's Office in the Province of Malaga and the Court of Instruction No. 4 of Fuengirola, was executed by specialized agents from the Malaga Command and the Basque Country Zone.

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