Rashid, a 52-year-old man of Moroccan origin who holds a Spanish passport, had been under police scrutiny for several months. Authorities had already detained him on charges connected to threatening messages as part of an ongoing terrorism-related investigation. This morning, he appeared before a judge from the National Court who handles terrorism cases, where the magistrate ordered his admission to prison. The case centers on alleged brainwashing and threats linked to extremist activity.
The arrest unfolded in a coordinated operation led by the General Information Police Station and supported by officers from Palma and San Sebastián. The operation was conducted under the authority of the Central Investigation Court No. 2 of the National Court, which authorized the immediate arrest of the suspect. The procedural move underscores the gravity of the allegations and the urgency placed on disrupting potential international links in the extremist network. [Source: National Court authorities]
The investigation began in September when police detected a suspicious profile on social media that publicly resurfaced in support of a jihadist movement. It was soon revealed that the individual managed multiple profiles and used them to circulate material praising extremist causes. The Mallorca detainee allegedly amassed hundreds of followers and routinely posted messages that threatened police and military personnel. In those communications, he identified himself as a jihadist, a mujahideen, and an assassin for the cause, according to police sources. This pattern of activity raised alarms about the extent of his online influence and the potential to mobilize sympathizers. [Source: Police statements]
The suspect, who is a Spanish national without a fixed residence in Spain, had lived in various cities and had arrived in Campos just days before his arrest. His radical messages were predominantly written and shared via mobile devices, highlighting how digital platforms can serve as accelerants for extremist propaganda and recruitment. The rapid movement between locales added a layer of complexity to the case as investigators traced digital footprints across geographic boundaries. [Source: Police findings]
Earlier in the year, authorities disclosed that the detainee had traveled to Egypt with intent to move onward to Sudan. He did not reach that destination, as he was detained in Egypt and orders were issued for his immediate deportation back to his home country. Upon his return to Spain, investigators continued monitoring his online activity and offline associations, seeking to understand whether the journey reflected broader plans or simply isolated ambitions. [Source: Interpol and national authorities]
Follow-up inquiries showed that propaganda campaigns included threats against police and soldiers in support of ISIS. The detainee is believed to have authored more radical posts and encouraged followers to attack security forces. Given these findings, the decision to arrest was made, and officers located him on Jaume II Street in Campos, within a garage that had functioned as a warehouse for a construction firm. The owner reportedly allowed him to stay there briefly, unaware of his jihadist sympathies. The physical location underscores how improvised spaces can become hubs for extremist activity. [Source: investigative records]
When apprehended, the individual did not resist. Police recovered documents suspected to be tied to the investigation and confiscated electronic devices that may contain further evidence. A knife, reportedly carried at all times by the suspect, was also seized as a precautionary measure. The seizure of digital and physical items reflects a broad approach to gathering actionable intelligence in cases involving online radicalization and real-world threats. [Source: police seizure records]
Investigators note that the detainee had little to no direct contact with like-minded individuals in Mallorca and had been living in Campos only a few days. The rapid transition between residences and his online activity suggest a strategy oriented toward anonymity and rapid dissemination of extremist material. The case continues to be watched closely by law enforcement, with authorities emphasizing the importance of monitoring online networks and the potential dangers posed by individuals who exploit social media to spread violent ideologies. [Source: police follow-up reports]