Jihadist AI-content creators arrested in joint Spain-Morocco operation

Jihadist AI-content creators arrested in joint Spain-Morocco operation
AFP
Friday 5 July 2024 - 17:42

Spanish authorities announced today they had dismantled a terrorist comprised of nine young men who used artificial intelligence to create and disseminate violent jihadist content online after a year-long investigation. 

The case began in 2023 when police identified a suspect in Barcelona, who, despite his young age, was a prominent figure online, radicalizing others through AI-edited jihadist content.

Following this initial arrest, a coordinated effort involving Spanish and Moroccan intelligence services led to the apprehension of eight additional suspects. 

These individuals, located in Melilla, Alcobendas, San Sebastian de los Reyes, Malaga, and Barcelona, were actively involved in spreading propaganda and inciting violence.

The investigation revealed a well-established online and offline network promoting extremist ideology, primarily affiliated with ISIS. 

The group used private messaging platforms to indoctrinate and recruit new members, providing them with jihadist materials and instructions from known terrorist leaders.

Authorities emphasized the importance of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Collaboration with the Moroccan General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) was instrumental in dismantling the cell.

All nine detainees were brought before a judge on Thursday, and five were remanded for pre-trial detention.

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