Blocus founder arrested over online looting plot

Guardia Civil has arrested the alleged founder of Blocus in Picanya, in the latest development in an inquiry into online calls for looting and unrest over Halloween weekend.

The arrest came on Friday and follows earlier detentions in the same investigation, including a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old. CNS reported the second arrest earlier on Friday as police widened their checks across messaging groups linked to the campaign.

Investigators link the suspect to chat groups

According to police and media reports, the man is suspected of creating and running Telegram channels used to coordinate the activity. Officers say the network was being used to encourage people to gather and then target shops.

The same reports say he had presented himself online as the movement’s leader and had circulated material linked to the campaign. Investigators believe the messaging was being used to push calls for disorder under the cover of protest.

Police sources said the case is tied to unrest in Barcelona last week, when hundreds of people were involved in clashes and disorder. Officers also believe the network was preparing fresh mobilisation for Saturday, 31 October, in several Spanish cities.

The investigation remains open and authorities have not said there will be no further arrests. Police have also warned that the calls were being spread through private chat groups after wider public posts were removed or shut down.

Wider operation still under way

Spanish police sources say the inquiry is being handled by Guardia Civil information units in Catalonia and the Valencia region. They add that the alleged organisers used social media, coded messages and private groups to recruit younger users.

Authorities say the messages were being framed as student-style demonstrations, but that the real aim was to promote looting, damage and violence. The suspect is expected to face judicial proceedings as the investigation continues.