Fourth suspect held in looting plot inquiry

Police in Castellón have arrested a 16-year-old boy over alleged online coordination of calls for looting and disorder in Valencia, in the fourth detention linked to the Blocus case.

The National Police said the teenager was held on Friday morning and is suspected of helping organise serious unrest through messaging channels. Officers say the inquiry is still open.

This latest arrest follows earlier detentions in the same investigation, including a 17-year-old accused of creating the communication channels, an 18-year-old held in Alfafar, and another 16-year-old arrested near Valencia’s bullring. CNS reported the previous step in the probe in its earlier coverage.

What police allege

According to the force, investigators identified the boy as one of the most active participants in the Blocus Vlc chat. They allege he took part in co-ordinating messages that urged followers to cause fires in the street, set up barricades and use those disruptions to make thefts easier in central Valencia.

Police also said the messages told minors to wear black clothing, carry sprays and bring flares in order to avoid identification and to increase damage to street furniture. The force said the suspect has been formally accused of conspiracy to commit public disorder, conspiracy to commit offences against property and membership of an organised group.

Next steps in the case

The arrest was carried out at around 8.15am in an undisclosed part of Castellón province, where officers have not revealed the exact location while inquiries continue.

After being taken to police premises for identification and questioning, the teenager is expected to be handed over to the juvenile prosecutor.

Police have linked the wider operation to online channels used to spread calls for unrest in the days before Halloween. The investigation remains active and further detentions have not been ruled out.