Police have arrested the leader of neo-Nazi group Nucleo Nacional and several other senior figures in a coordinated operation across Spain.
At least 14 people were detained on Friday in an investigation into suspected hate crimes and unlawful association.
Among them were the group’s leader, Ivan Rico, and his brother David, both arrested in Guadalajara, according to Cadena SER.
Isabel Peralta, described as the organisation’s ideologue, was detained in Madrid. Veteran neo-Nazi activist Enrique Lemus, linked to Democracia Nacional, was arrested in Valladolid alongside Alberto Gonzalez de Juan, known as ‘Pugilato’.
Officers carried out ten searches across seven provinces, including at El Nido, a gym in Madrid’s Las Tablas district used as the group’s headquarters.
Searches also took place in Valladolid, where the organisation has its registered address.
Four people were arrested in Madrid, three in Asturias, two each in Guadalajara and Valladolid, and one each in Pontevedra, Burgos and Alicante.
The operation, coordinated by the Policia Nacional, remains open.
The investigation stems from disturbances near La Inmaculada Jesuit school in Gijon, where the group protested against plans to remove a monument considered a Franco-era symbol.
Students reported being assaulted by members of the organisation following the demonstration.
A judge in Gijon authorised searches relating to suspected incitement to hatred, unlawful association and weapons possession.
Seven detainees identified as possible members of the leadership are expected to appear before the judge in Gijon, most likely on Monday.
The raids came a day before a planned anniversary march in Madrid.
Nucleo Nacional registered as an association in August 2024 and subsequently became a political party in February this year, according to SER.
It will not contest the November 29 general election and has instead directed its supporters towards Falange Española.
The group has previously faced investigations into suspected hate crimes and public disorder, and organised protests following the arrival of thousands of migrants in Ceuta in July.
