The Policía Nacional arrested an 18-year-old in Alfafar (province of Valencia) an 18-year-old. According to the Ministerio del Interior he is accused of using encrypted communication groups called Blocus Vlc to distribute instructions for making Molotov cocktails and to call for the use of such incendiary devices, as well as looting and breaches of public order. The investigation is ongoing.
The arrest is part of an ongoing police operation in the province of Valencia. The previous day, officers had already arrested a 17-year-old in the city of Valencia who, according to the authorities, is alleged to have set up the communication channels in question. The Policía Nacional says the investigation aims to establish the structure of these groups and identify further authors of possible incitements to violence. The authorities have so far provided no specific details about evidence seized or a possible timetable for decisions on charges.
According to consistent reports by Europa Press and EFE the man now arrested in Alfafar is alleged to have been active in the same groups and to have called for crimes to be committed in Valencia on 31 October 2026. The messages reportedly included suggestions to distract officers with arson before carrying out thefts and looting. These accounts are based on information from the authorities; there are currently no independent court rulings.
Security forces have stepped up their presence in the region in recent days. Alongside the Policía Nacional, the Guardia Civil is also involved in preventive and investigative measures. The authorities point to the risk that closed chat groups could be used to mobilise people quickly. They have also warned against false reports on social media and urged people to heed only official information.
Spanish law has special provisions for proceedings involving minors and young adults. Investigating judges and prosecutors are now examining whether offences such as incitement to public disorder, attempted arson or membership of a criminal organisation under Spanish criminal law may have been committed. The presumption of innocence applies until a court has ruled. The Ministry of the Interior said it would publish the results of further investigations in due course.
The case once again draws attention to the role of encrypted communication services in the planning of violent acts. The authorities say they are securing digital evidence and analysing communications to identify those responsible. At the same time, it remains unclear to what extent the alleged coordinated actions would actually have been carried out.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).