Counter-terrorism police in Spain apprehended three individuals suspected of being part of a neo-Nazi terrorist group banned by the UK. The arrests came after a series of operations in Castellon, a city on Spain’s eastern coast. The organization, known as The Base, aims to violently overthrow Western governments and establish white ethno-states. Its founder, Rinaldo Nazzaro, a former American defense contractor, has been residing in Russia for the past eight years.
During the raids, Spanish police discovered a cache of weapons such as submachine guns, handguns, ammunition, silencers, knives, machetes, and even a spear. Additionally, they found body armor, bundles of €50 notes, a drone, rope, handcuffs, helmets, and camouflage attire. The properties also contained translated versions of Hitler’s Mein Kampf in Spanish and Catalan.
Video footage from the operation showed officers detaining the suspects, displaying weapons to the camera, and carrying out boxes of evidence. The arrested individuals, described as highly radicalized and prepared to carry out attacks, had their identities and nationalities withheld. The operation was conducted by the General Information Commissariat and the Castellón Provincial Information Brigade, overseen by the National Court Prosecutor’s Office.
Europol agents were involved in analyzing information during the investigation. The probe continues under the supervision of the head of the Central Court of Instruction number Six of the National Court, who ordered the detention of the group’s leader. Established in 2018, The Base operates as a network of paramilitary cells focused on training for attacks and inciting racial conflict. The organization is designated as a terrorist entity in the European Union, as well as in Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
The UK outlawed The Base as a terrorist entity in July 2021, with membership or support being punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021.