In Castellón, officers from the National Police have carried out an operation to detain three individuals suspected of forming and operating an extremist cell. This group, which follows an ideology of accelerated radicalization, is linked to the international organization The Base, known for its far-right views and calls for violence. According to the investigation, the detainees not only subscribed to ideas of racial superiority but were actively preparing to carry out attacks against government institutions.
In recent months, members of the group had noticeably intensified their rhetoric. They made no secret of their intentions to move from words to action and openly discussed possible attacks aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions. Police note that the suspects underwent special training, including tactical drills using military equipment and weapons.
Plans and preparation
The investigation began in early 2025, when counterterrorism specialists took note of one of the suspects. His online activity and expressed views matched the ideology of The Base. It soon became clear that he was not acting alone: two other like-minded individuals had joined him, fully embracing radical beliefs and building their lives around the organization’s ideas.
Investigators determined that the group did not limit itself to theory. They were recruiting new members, distributing extremist materials, and maintaining contact with foreign leaders of the movement. Particular attention was paid to preparing for potential attacks: those detained not only discussed the details but also procured weapons and conducted weapons training sessions.
Arsenal and Propaganda
During searches at five locations in the province of Castellón, police seized nine weapons, including firearms, ammunition, around twenty knives, and other military equipment. Among the items found were materials bearing the insignia of The Base, neo-Nazi paraphernalia, as well as documents linked to other terrorist organizations. All of this was used to train and indoctrinate new members.
The group actively used social media to attract supporters and spread its ideology. Online, they posted videos glorifying violence and called for actions against government institutions. According to investigators, the cell leader maintained direct contact with the founder of The Base, who recently called for the creation of new cells worldwide and coordinated attacks.
Next Steps
The operation to detain the suspects was carried out overnight on Tuesday. Police acted swiftly to prevent possible attacks. As a result, the group leader and his closest associates were apprehended and taken to the police station. After questioning, the court ordered the main suspect to be held in custody.
The operation involved officers from the Main Directorate of Information, specialists from Castellón, and representatives from Europol. The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the National Court, which is handling the case related to the formation of a terrorist organization, recruitment, training, and illegal possession of weapons.
