MADRID — Spanish cops arrested a Moroccan boxing coach who was suspected of leading an Islamist militant cell that spread propaganda and recruited volunteers for the Islamic State armed group. The Interior Ministry said on Monday. These militants were trained in Turkey, to receive training and instructions for potential attacks in Europe.
The man was arrested in the northern city of San Sebastian on Monday and had ties with another suspect who was also arrested in Morocco. He also shared an apartment in San Sebastian with him and was said to be working on recruiting potential combatants in person and over the internet since 2010.
The ministry said.”The accused was very active in finding new recruits and would approach young people at risk of social exclusion, easily influenced and emotionally unstable, and make the most of his position as boxing teacher to win their confidence.”
Two other members of the cell had already been arrested, the ministry said, including a previous roommate, who was detained in Morocco, and another who was arrested in Strasbourg, France, in November.