Spain’s Civil Guard has opened an investigation into what officials are calling the puncture attacks that began in July, following a formal complaint filed by the victim. The incidents, first reported at a bar in Yaiza, Lanzarote, have since been confirmed as real after review by the Beremérita’s investigations unit. The case marks the first time such an act has been linked to the Canary Islands, according to security sources.
According to testimony from a security source, the victim allegedly experienced a needle-like delivery method involving a puncture. Chemical exposure was suspected, though subsequent tests showed a negative toxicology result.
State security forces are examining at least 60 puncture-related complaints across Spain. Some of these cases have recently been formalized as authorities urged the public to report incidents to police stations or barracks. The question is simple yet unsettling: who is behind these attacks? Troublemakers, mischief-makers, or more calculated perpetrators intent on deception or fear?
In a Friday interview with Televisión Española, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska indicated that investigators are examining complaints to determine the motive behind the incidents. Officials are asking whether the aim is to commit a crime or to sow a sense of insecurity across groups. There is also consideration of whether another objective is to signal an insecure climate or to intimidate a specific demographic, such as attempting to push women out of public life.
About twenty of the total complaints are under review by the Civil Guard, according to María Luis Calcerrada, commander-in-chief of Crimes Against Persons within the Armed Institute’s Technical Unit of the Judicial Police.
Most complainants are women, and in all cases the intent does not appear to be a direct assault on victims through subsequent crimes like sexual offenses or robberies. Instead, attackers are said to exploit perceived vulnerability in social settings, particularly during leisure activities, as the commander notes.
There has also been a report of a male victim in a separate case where some belongings were stolen after an attack.
To date, the Meritorious Public Order Unit indicates that five cases in Llanes, Asturias, have been documented by July 31, affecting seven victims, with a single identified perpetrator linked to three of those cases. A related complaint was filed in the Canary Islands as well.
Early August saw a sharp rise in puncture complaints, a trend that officials attribute to heightened awareness following public condemnations by security forces and political leaders. The recent spike underscores the need for vigilance and rapid reporting.
this is an attack
In every instance, this is an attack, insists the Civil Guard representative, who repeatedly stresses the importance of reporting. Only through timely reports can the problem be addressed effectively.
Calcerrada notes that all Civil Guard units have issued specific instructions for handling complaints. A top priority is to direct the victim to a health center as soon as possible because certain substances may be absorbed quickly, with most cases needing attention within 72 hours.
Victims are urged to seek help from a trusted person, contact emergency services by dialing 112, or reach out to the security forces.
Officials also remind writers and the public that the quicker a report is made, the easier it is to identify and stop those responsible. The message is clear: take this crime seriously, and act quickly when a concern arises.