Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Police have arrested 14 people in the nationwide Núcleo Nacional investigation after a coordinated series of raids across seven provinces, according to new details released on Friday.
The operation, which also reached Alicante, is understood to concern suspected hate crime offences, unlawful association and weapons possession. It follows an earlier round-up reported by CNS in which police said at least nine people had been detained. Read the earlier CNS report here.
Seven suspects to appear before judge
Police said the operation involved ten searches, including the group’s central headquarters in Madrid. Officers also searched properties in Madrid, Asturias, Guadalajara, Valladolid, Pontevedra, Burgos and Alicante.
Among those reportedly detained were the group’s leader, Ivan Rico, and his brother David, both arrested in Guadalajara, according to Spanish media reports cited in the source material. Isabel Peralta was also among those detained in Madrid, while veteran activist Enrique Lemus and Alberto Gonzalez de Juan were arrested in Valladolid.
Authorities said a judge in Gijón authorised the searches and lifted reporting restrictions on the case after the arrests. Seven detainees identified as possible members of the group’s leadership are expected to appear before the judge in Gijón, most likely on Monday.
Probe linked to Gijón unrest
The investigation stems from disturbances earlier this year in Gijón, where the group protested over plans to remove a monument considered a Franco-era symbol. Reports linked to the case say students were assaulted following the demonstration.
Núcleo Nacional registered as an association in August 2024 and later became a political party in February this year, according to the material reviewed for this report. Police are also understood to have been examining the group over previous incidents involving disorder and alleged hate speech.
The force has not indicated whether more arrests are expected.
