NewsTerrorism

Arrest of an alleged member of the so-called Islamic State by Spanish Guardia Civil

Europol collaborated with the Spanish Guardia Civil in arresting an Algerian national on 30 September suspected of allegedly supporting the so-called Islamic State.


On 2 October 2020, the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) announced the arrest in Madrid of an Algerian national suspected of supporting the so-called Islamic State. The National Court (Audiencia Nacional) in collaboration with Europol coordinated the operation.

The suspect was under investigation for online consumption of propaganda and forgery of identification documents. He was also found in possession of explosive and weapon manuals.

The investigation followed the evolution of the individual’s extensive internet activity and affiliation links with the terrorist organisation, as well as his strong interest in weapons and fighting techniques. Hypothesis were drawn in relation to his experience in document forgery, which could have been key to facilitate his international mobility in recent years.

The investigation is still on-going pending the thorough expert analysis of the digital materials found in the suspect’s possession.