Latest news Strongly armed sect busted in Spain
Police in Spain have busted a sect-like and heavily armed organization. Three people have been arrested and eight others are also under investigation for organized crime, fraud, coercion and assault, the Guardia Civil announced.
15.10.2024, 13:18
SDA
The gang, based in the province of Cáceres in the west of the country not far from the border with Portugal, had hoarded numerous weapons of war and other weapons as well as ammunition worth at least 73,000 euros.
The Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) has already identified more than one hundred victims who have been defrauded of at least one million euros in total. The victims had been persuaded by the main leader to sell their assets and donate the proceeds to the association. "A large part of the proceeds were invested in weapons," it said. Many more victims are suspected, who have probably not come forward out of fear.
More than 80 weapons, silencers for long guns and 7,600 metal cartridges of various calibers were confiscated. Large sums of cash, cell phones, tablets and computers were also found and seized in various apartments. Numerous bank accounts were also frozen, it was reported.
The "Messiah" claims to have spoken to Jesus every day
Spanish media reported, with reference to the investigators, that the cult leader had described himself as a "messiah" who "spoke to Jesus every day". The man, who also wrote books and gave lectures, died of a heart attack in January, when the investigation had already been launched. The widow had continued the activities of the association, reported the newspaper "ABC", among others. She was one of the three people arrested.
According to reports, the association "Ahora estás en casa" (Now you are at home) contacted its victims via social networks, among other things. "The religious message was accompanied by a call for self-defense," wrote "ABC". "We need to be prepared and armed because we are sending a message that the church doesn't want and the world doesn't want. The powers that be could come down on us," the leader had told his followers. He had considered "barricading" himself with followers.
Meanwhile, the association announced the "temporary suspension" of its activities online. It did not comment on the authorities' accusations in the communiqué. "We remain united and contribute to the clarification of all events", it said.
