Spain Cracks Down on Suspected Hacktivists for Disrupting Government Websites

Spanish Authorities Arrest Four Alleged Members of “Anonymous Fénix” Hacktivist Group

Spanish authorities have recently made significant strides in combating cybercrime by apprehending four individuals suspected of being part of the hacktivist group known as “Anonymous Fénix.” This group, claiming affiliation with the notorious Anonymous hacker collective, has been implicated in a series of cyberattacks targeting government ministries, political parties, and various public institutions in Spain and South American countries.

The arrests come after a string of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks carried out by Anonymous Fénix, with the first incidents dating back to April 2023. The group’s activities intensified following the flash floods that ravaged Valencia in late October 2024, leading to attacks on multiple government websites. Anonymous Fénix members alleged that Spanish authorities were culpable for the devastation caused by the natural disaster.

In addition to DDoS attacks, Anonymous Fénix utilized platforms like X and Telegram to disseminate anti-government propaganda and recruit volunteers for their campaigns. Their recruitment efforts peaked in September 2024, culminating in a recruitment drive aimed at bolstering their cyberattack capabilities against various domains.

The Spanish Civil Guard, responsible for the arrests, apprehended the group’s administrator and moderator in May 2025, followed by the capture of two other key members in Ibiza and Móstoles. Subsequent investigations led to the shutdown of the group’s accounts on X and YouTube, as well as the closure of their Telegram channel.

Spanish courts have taken decisive action against cybercriminal activity in recent months, including the dismantling of the “GXC Team” crime-as-a-service platform and the arrest of individuals linked to cyber fraud networks. Notably, 34 suspects associated with the Black Axe crime ring were apprehended in January by the Spanish National Police.

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