Spanish Police Arrest 12 Members of Neo-Nazi Group Núcleo Nacional

Spanish National Police launched a coordinated operation on Friday targeting the leadership of the neo-Nazi organization Núcleo Nacional, resulting in twelve arrests across seven provinces. The crackdown, led by the General Information Commissary, includes searches of the group's headquarters and various properties linked to its prominent figures as part of an ongoing judicial inquiry into illicit association, weapons possession, and hate crimes.

The judicial investigation originated from proceedings opened by the Gijón prosecutor's office following disturbances and subsequent student complaints. In February, members of the ultra-right formation gathered outside the La Inmaculada Jesuit school in Gijón to protest the planned removal of a local monument. During the mobilization, participants shouted fascist slogans and neo-Nazi chants, prompting the regional government of Asturias to publicly demand that the Ministry of Interior take steps to dissolve the group.

Following the demonstration, multiple students reported being physically assaulted by individuals belonging to the radical collective. This prompted the Provincial Information Brigade in Gijón to open an investigation under judicial mandate, ultimately leading to Friday's series of raids and arrests spanning Madrid, Asturias, Guadalajara, Valladolid, Pontevedra, Burgos, and Alicante.

While reports regarding the exact number of detainees varied slightly between twelve and fourteen during the initial hours of the sweep, authorities confirmed that the primary leadership figures have been targeted. Seven individuals identified as potential members of the group's executive core are scheduled to be transferred to Gijón to testify before a magistrate, while others will appear before local duty courts in the jurisdictions where they were arrested.

Núcleo Nacional has previously drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies for a series of public disturbances and suspected hate crimes across cities such as Madrid and Sevilla. The organization gained further notoriety for attempting to capitalize on social tensions following migration pressures in Ceuta and by participating in demonstrations outside the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party in Madrid, which frequently devolved into confrontations with law enforcement.

Earlier this year, the extremist collective announced its transition into formal political arenas through the party known as Noviembre Nacional, registered by veteran far-right figures. As authorities continue their nationwide searches, including an inspection of a Madrid gymnasium utilized by the group, officials stated that the investigation remains open and further actions cannot be ruled out as prosecutors examine the extent of the group's criminal structure.