Spain Arrests Suspected Blocus Founder as Barcelona Braces for Halloween Looting
After violence rocked Barcelona, Spanish police are trying to understand how calls for looting spread so quickly. Morocco is among several countries mentioned in discussions about possible foreign interference, but there is no evidence of its involvement.
Russia, Morocco, Israel and Iran. These four countries appear in statements by police sources cited by the Spanish daily La Vanguardia on Friday, October 30. Authorities are trying to determine the origin of calls for violence spread on social media under the name Blocus.
On Saturday, October 24, several hundred young people caused major unrest in central Barcelona. Around 30 businesses were damaged or looted, and more than 130 people were detained.
The movement had spread on TikTok, Telegram and WhatsApp, with messages urging people to replicate the violence seen in France. Anonymous accounts shared instructions and meeting points, sometimes accompanied by posters generated using artificial intelligence.
Morocco mentioned, but no involvement established
The possibility of a foreign destabilization operation is among the scenarios being considered. But details gathered by the EFE news agency make one essential distinction: the Mossos d’Esquadra are not empowered to investigate possible state interference.
The countries mentioned are examples of powers that could carry out this type of operation, not suspects formally identified in the case. Initial investigations are also focusing on a copycat phenomenon amplified by social media algorithms.
On Bladi.net : After Ceuta, 86 % of Spaniards want an understanding with Morocco, but 82 % call for a stronger border
The investigation is nevertheless progressing. On Friday, the Guardia Civil announced the arrest near Valencia of a 20-year-old man described as the alleged founder of Blocus in Spain. He is suspected of administering Telegram groups used to coordinate calls for looting. Ten people were detained in several Spanish regions within 24 hours.
With further gatherings announced for Halloween, Barcelona has raised its alert level to the maximum, four out of four. More than 300 police officers are expected to monitor transport and access to the city centre. Shopkeepers are reinforcing their storefronts, fearing further damage on Saturday night.
