The Policía Nacional has arrested three suspects in Valencia arrested a 17-year-old, who, according to the Jefatura Superior de Policía is alleged to have created and run channels named “Blocus Vlc” on two messaging services. He is suspected of posting specific calls there for coordinated, planned looting and damage to shops in the city. The date given was Saturday, 31 October 2026.
Investigators have charged the suspect with conspiracy to commit public disorder offences, conspiracy to commit offences against property, and membership of an organised group. According to police, the chat messages contained logistical details about meeting points, times and methods; they also explained how to create distractions to hamper intervention by security forces. One channel reportedly had several hundred participants at times, the Jefatura Superior de Policía said.
The arrest came amid nationwide warnings from security authorities about alleged coordinated calls for disorder and looting under the hashtag “Blocus”. In the preceding days, police units in several cities had analysed communications in relevant groups. Suspects linked to similar calls were also identified and taken into custody in Barcelona and Bilbao . Media reports and initial assessments documented overlaps between public announcements and subsequent, more restricted messaging groups; there is no firm evidence so far of wider organisational structures.
The case was referred to the juvenile prosecutor’s office, the Fiscalía de Menores. There was initially no official information about possible custodial or supervisory measures. Investigations to identify other administrators or active co-organisers in the channels are ongoing. Authorities stress that speculation about motives and networks operating across regions has not yet been conclusively substantiated; the information is based mainly on the communications analysed and items seized during searches.
No specific demonstration or offence linked to the calls had taken place by the time of the arrest. Police announced that they would increase their presence in Valencia and at potential meeting points, and continue monitoring relevant online channels. In Spain, offences relating to public order, property crime and participation in criminal groups can also lead to significant educational measures for juvenile suspects.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).