In a central counter-terrorism crackdown, Spanish authorities have arrested ten Pakistani nationals in Barcelona for allegedly inciting violence, including advocating for the beheading of individuals accused of blasphemy. These suspects were reportedly part of a criminal network with ties to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a designated terrorist group.

The arrests were made through a joint operation involving the Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalonia Police), the Spanish National Police, and Italian law enforcement. Eleven people were taken into custody; amongst them, ten are in Barcelona and its surrounding areas, and one is in Piacenza, Italy. They are suspected of promoting terrorism, indoctrination, and providing financial support to extremist activities. Authorities believe they were actively involved in selecting targets for potential attacks.

Officials stated that the arrested individuals were part of a well-organised terrorist network with a clear hierarchy. They allegedly spread extremist ideologies using encrypted messaging platforms, encouraged violent jihadist acts, and praised those who had attacked people accused of blasphemy in Europe and Pakistan. Among those arrested, one person was identified as a private instant messaging group administrator exclusively for women. This group was reportedly used to promote extremist beliefs, recruit followers, and identify potential targets. Authorities found that it played a key role in spreading radical ideology, indoctrination and encouraging terrorist activities.

This operation is the third phase of an ongoing investigation into extremist networks in Spain. In previous crackdowns, authorities arrested five people in 2022 and another 14 in 2023. Over the last three years, a total of 30 suspected members of this radical Pakistani group have been taken into custody in Spain. Investigators found evidence that the group actively recruited and radicalised new members while also collecting financial contributions from within their ranks. Encrypted messages revealed clear instructions to carry out violent acts, including direct calls for the murder and beheading of individuals accused of blasphemy.

After their arrest, the suspects appeared before the Central Court of Instruction No. 6, which is handling the case. The legal proceedings are being coordinated by the General Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court. So far, four of the suspects have been placed in provisional detention.