Islamic State terror cell planning attacks on popular Spanish resorts has been discovered with the help of British spies
Spanish police arrested four people on suspicion of spreading extremist pro-jihadist propaganda online and indoctrinating recruits.
British spooks based in Gibraltar reportedly tracked down the gang after propaganda messages were found online.
Police said the cell was trying to recruit radicals and persuade them to attack holiday resorts in Costa Del Sol – an area popular with British holidaymakers.
Armed police carried out a raid in Madrid and the Spanish towns of Pinto and Ciempozuelos on Tuesday.
Police arrested three Moroccans and one Spaniard who are allegedly part of an organised cell spreading extremist material online.
Video footage of their capture has also been released by the Spanish Guardia Civil.
The group have allegedly made contact with hundreds of people, selecting potential members to be radicalised and indoctrinated using different webpages and instant messaging apps to communicate.
Spanish media reported Aziz Zaghnane, 40, a director at Lee Hecht Harrison-Spain, was one of the Moroccans arrested.
Police reportedly seized his computer from the human resources company over fears he used the firm’s database to contact thousands of Muslims.
Officers have not charged any of the four arrested on Tuesday.
The Spanish Interior Ministry said social media platforms are the principal source to recruit terrorists, especially in European countries.
Spain remains on high alert after the anti-terror level was raised in June 2015.
The Spanish Guardia Civil have intensified their investigations into propaganda and recruitment groups.
Almost 20 people have now been detained in the country this year so far in connection with extremism and terrorism.
The raid comes as Italian intelligence chiefs warned terrorists could target European beachesthis summer.
Concerns have been raised resorts in southern France, the Costa del Sol in Spain and both coasts in Italy could be targeted by extremists disguised as ice-cream sellers and tourists.
Lee Hecht Harrison has been contacted for comment.
express.co.uk
