mind hunters
The incidents highlighted reflect a broader trend in Spain this year, involving sectarian groups with varied profiles. After the pandemic a rebound in these movements has occurred, described by experts as mind hunters. These are groups with pyramidal structures that prey on people during moments of vulnerability and take full advantage of those moments.
Sects have shed old stereotypes. They are not many in number, and their members do not need to share a physical space. Social networks have made detection harder because there has been no official sect census since the 1980s. Now, with platforms like Telegram, groups can spread messages and rituals with ease, says RedUne, a Spanish association focused on preventing sectarian networks for nearly a quarter of a century.
I was at the WiZink macro event on cryptocurrencies and it was a real joke
This is one sign of the transformation in how these groups operate. They now rely on digital channels to reach larger audiences. As the recruitment landscape shifts away from traditional promises of salvation or divine punishment, recruiters lean on new hooks such as self help, pseudotherapies, and the appeal of earning money through cryptocurrency ventures, attracting more potential followers.
Experts note that recruitment methods have evolved in the digital era. Work, social life, and personal relations increasingly occur online, so close physical contact is not always required to recruit new members, according to specialists in destructive denominations from the National Police.
multinational liberation
Scholars describe these movements as multinational save operations. They estimate a portion of the population has encountered sects at some point in life and that there are hundreds of recognized groups in the country, with estimates ranging widely. There is no official census to provide a definitive count, a reality noted by RedUne.
The figures vary because different researchers use different criteria. Some groups disguise their purpose by blending into activities such as yoga, martial arts, wellness, self help, or esotericism, allowing them to operate in small, private circles. This makes it difficult to assess their true presence, according to National Police experts.
Citizens often hesitate to challenge sources or question the information they access, especially in times of uncertainty and fear. This vulnerability makes people more susceptible to messages of salvation and self improvement that sects originally offered. The presence of cults in homes through online channels is a growing concern, police sources note.
post-pandemic wave
Experts agree that the pandemic created a before and after for sectarian groups. Lockdowns and restrictions pushed many to seek new living environments, prompting some to leave cities in search of retirement in rural settings and a calmer lifestyle closer to nature. Gurus and wealth advocates promoted spiritual retirement as a lifestyle choice.
Analysts observe a shift toward parasanitary spaces and pseudotherapies within new denominations. The emphasis leans toward greener narratives and natural environments, a shift reinforced by the pandemic era. The search for quick fixes to personal or business problems can lead people to overlook red flags and fall under the influence of unscrupulous groups seeking money or power. Spiritual miracles are rare and cannot be bought, according to police explanations.
Danger
Even with updated appearances these groups pose risks. A leading researcher notes that a large share of denominations exhibit behaviors that create both physical and psychological danger for participants. Exploitation of vulnerabilities, mismanagement of wealth, and in some cases abuse are documented concerns, particularly affecting children in some cases. Coercive pressure remains a core risk when freedoms are restricted and critical thinking is dampened.
The danger from these associations comes from a variety of tactics designed to override personal autonomy. They can isolate members, control information, and regulate daily routines including eating and sleeping patterns. Constant engagement leaves little room for free time and personal development, which weakens judgment and makes emotional manipulation more effective.
Police experts also highlight that the newer forms of denomination can be hard to detect, even for professionals. Many groups operate in private circles or online, which complicates monitoring. Proselytizing and control activities do not always require physical presence and can occur through remote channels, a trend reinforced by the social isolation of the pandemic era.