Man arrested in Palencia on suspicion of collaborating with pro-Russian hacktivist groups in joint operation by National Police and FBI
The National Police arrested a man in Palencia linked to pro-Russian hacktivist groups including CyberArmy of Russia Reborn and Z-Pentest, in an operation coordinated with the FBI and directed by Spain's National Court.
Man arrested in Palencia on suspicion of collaborating with pro-Russian hacktivist groups in joint operation by National Police and FBI
Spain's National Police arrested an individual in the town of Palencia who is alleged to have close links with several pro-Russian hacktivist groups. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the FBI and under the direction of the National Court, according to a police statement issued on Monday.
The arrested man is accused of membership and collaboration with a terrorist organisation, glorification of terrorism and causing damage to computer systems. The investigation made it possible to identify the suspect as a person with close ties to the groups CyberArmy of Russia Reborn (CARR) and Z-Pentest, both linked to cybercriminal activities and pro-Russian propaganda.
The case began in August 2025, when the FBI provided information regarding the detained man's alleged involvement in sending technical support material to a Ukrainian hacker also linked to CARR. According to investigators, the aim was to facilitate the flight of this individual from Ukraine to Russia, transiting through Poland and Belarus.
Agents further maintain that the arrested man used encrypted messaging applications to communicate with other members of these groups and coordinate actions. He is also alleged to have participated in activities linked to the hacktivist group NoName057(16), known for claiming responsibility for cyberattacks against Western institutions and bodies for propaganda purposes.
During the operation, police conducted a search of the detained man's home in Palencia, where various electronic equipment and cryptocurrency storage devices were seized. Additionally, a cryptocurrency wallet was blocked in which, according to the authorities, revenues converged from the sale of information obtained through his criminal activity.
Source: Euronews
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)