Collaborative Effort in Counterterrorism
The operation, named “MIYA,” represents the second phase of an initiative launched in 2021 by Spain’s National Police General Information Commissariat (CGI). It involved collaboration from intelligence and security services in twelve countries, demonstrating the global effort to combat terrorist financing.
Countries such as Morocco’s Surveillance du Territoire (DGST), Algeria’s Direction Générale de la Sécurité Intérieure (DGSI), Mauritania’s Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Swiss FEDPOL, and EUROPOL worked together to make this operation successful. Within Spain, the CGI worked closely with its Provincial Information Brigades in Valencia, Alicante, Cáceres, and San Sebastián, as well as the National Intelligence Center (CNI).
Previous Phase and International Network
The initial phase of the operation, conducted after a year and a half of investigation, revealed a person of Maghreb origin residing in Spain who was in contact with a jihadist seeking to carry out an attack in France on behalf of ISIS. This collaboration led to the subsequent arrest of both individuals in March 2022 and six others across Europe and the Maghreb.
These detainees were part of an international network supporting ISIS, spanning continents such as Afghanistan, the Middle East, Sahel, Maghreb, and Europe. It is alleged that this network obtained funds through criminal activities in Europe to finance their terrorist operations using cryptocurrency.
Arrests and Foiled Attacks
The recent arrests in Spain mark the conclusion of the investigation, resulting in the apprehension of five individuals. During the search of one individual’s residence, authorities discovered concerning items, including handgun ammunition, an ax, manuals for making explosives, manuals for indoctrinating minors, and jihadist propaganda.
Cryptocurrency’s potential for providing anonymity has raised global concerns over its use in funding terrorist activities. The successful dismantling of this network highlights the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism financing and ensure the safety and security of nations worldwide.