> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Probe into foreign role in Barcelona riots - URL: https://barna.news/probe-into-foreign-role-in-barcelona/ - Published: 2026-10-30T12:37:57.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-30T12:37:57.000Z - Description: An intelligence report examines possible foreign interference in the recent Barcelona looting incidents. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: crime ## Investigation assesses hybrid attack hypothesis A strategic intelligence report has identified signs of possible foreign interference in the recent looting and unrest in Barcelona, though it states the claim requires verifiable evidence. The document, prepared by Catalan cybersecurity firm Golden Owl and seen by Crónica Global, raises the possibility of 'foreign interference', 'international actors', or 'foreign funding' linked to the incidents attributed to the 'Blocus' network. Police forces, including the Mossos d'Esquadra, National Police, Guardia Civil, and intelligence services, are investigating the claims. While sources stress the current lack of traceable proof, they acknowledge that some tactics used resemble those of hybrid attacks, combining digital disinformation with physical disruption. ### Digital coordination and disinformation Marga Herrero, CEO of Golden Owl, said there are clear indications of digital coordination behind the events. She noted that the strategy appears designed to generate widespread discussion, destabilisation, and a perception of institutional weakness. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram were used to circulate AI-generated content, which directed users to encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp for operational planning. An analysis by Golden Owl tracked over 10,000 digital elements across seven platforms, identifying Blocus-related activity in 18 localities across 11 autonomous communities. The first signs emerged in Madrid in early October, with a shift to Barcelona later in the month. On 19 October, multiple profiles were created or renamed to promote a gathering on Saturday 31 October. ### Focus on youth recruitment and minor involvement Authorities are particularly concerned about the targeting of minors through disinformation. A separate police intelligence report classifies the risk of youth recruitment as 'very high' in the lead-up to 31 October. The unrest on 24 October resulted in 130 arrests, 76 of them minors. The Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office has requested internment for six minors and bans on attending demonstrations for 20 others. Judges have ordered three minors placed in closed facilities, while others face supervised liberty measures and prohibitions from attending public gatherings. > We are focusing on the intermediate nodes, those who connect organisers with participants, because identifying the top leaders remains difficult, said a source involved in the investigation. ### Police prepare for potential Halloween repeat Despite Telegram shutting down three related groups, authorities remain on high alert. A new call to gather at Plaça d’Espanya on Monday afternoon was monitored closely, with dozens of Mossos vans and plainclothes officers deployed. No incidents occurred, but several businesses in Sants and at the Arenes shopping centre chose to close shutters preemptively. The main objective remains preventing further mobilisations, particularly a planned action next Saturday, 31 October. Investigators continue analysing digital footprints, video evidence, and messaging patterns to identify administrators and key organisers behind the anonymous profiles. --- *Sources:* [*Crónica Global*](https://cronicaglobal.elespanol.com/vida/20261028/informe-inteligencia-analiza-posible-injerencia-extranjera-barcelona/1003742806997%5F0.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*elconstitucional.es*](https://www.elconstitucional.es/en/communities/catalonia/the-mossos-are-after-blocus-the-network-that-incited-the-looting-and-riots-in-barcelona-and-now-calls-to-repeat-them-on-halloween%5F9485%5F102.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Ara*](https://en.ara.cat/society/the-public-prosecutor-s-office-requests-to-intern-6-minors-for-the-riots-in-barcelona-and-the-detainees-rise-to-130%5F1%5F5890916.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Police Warn of High Child Recruitment Risk](https://barna.news/police-warn-of-high-child-recruitment/) - [Updated: Three Minors Held in Closed Custody Over Barcelona Riots](https://barna.news/three-minors-held-in-closed-custody/) - [Updated: Second Telegram Group Calling for 31 October Unrest Shut Down](https://barna.news/second-telegram-group-calling-for-31/) - [Updated: Mossos to Seek Court Order to Trace Riot Calls](https://barna.news/mossos-to-seek-court-order-to-trace/)