Spanish national police, in a coordinated operation with Europol's counter-terrorism section, have arrested three suspected members of the proscribed neo-Nazi terrorist organisation known as The Base. The detentions took place in the eastern province of Castellón on 1 December 2025.
Leader's Defiant Response from Russia
In response to the arrests, the American leader of the group, Rinaldo Nazzaro, who is believed to be living in St Petersburg, issued a defiant statement. In a text message to the Guardian, Nazzaro labelled the police action as political persecution. He stated it was "further justifying our resistance to its hegemonic rule by any means necessary", signalling a threat of retribution.
The operation highlights the concerning export of an American brand of violent extremism, which glorifies armed insurgency, to European soil. Experts are also deeply alarmed by the suspected links between Nazzaro, The Base, and Kremlin spy agencies, suggesting the group may be aiding broader Russian sabotage efforts in Europe.
A Well-Armed and Organised Cell
Counter-terrorism researchers expressed shock at the cell's level of organisation and its arsenal. Joshua Fisher-Birch, a researcher at the Counter Extremism Project, noted the seriousness of the cell, which maintained a public Telegram channel to recruit members, share images of weapons training, and urge militant action.
The European law enforcement agency confirmed the cell's leader was in direct contact with Nazzaro. A cache of confiscated items showcased the group's preparedness and ideology, including:
- Multiple firearms and a machine pistol
- Combat knives and ample ammunition
- Neo-Nazi paraphernalia and envelopes of cash
- Shirts bearing images of Adolf Hitler and Ted Kaczynski, the 'Unabomber'
The Spanish cell's online propaganda actively endorsed The Base's operations in Ukraine, where it has claimed assassinations, and advocated for "calculated ruthlessness" and the creation of isolated white communities.
Broader Implications and a Persistent Threat
Steven Rai, an analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), pointed out that the Spanish case mirrors patterns seen in the US, where ideology is paired with paramilitary-style training and tactical drills. This arrest follows other recent incidents linked to The Base, including a Luxembourg court imprisoning a Swedish member for plotting an attack at a Eurovision event.
The potential connection to Russian intelligence operations adds a grave dimension. Fisher-Birch warned, "The potential ties to Russian sabotage operations in Europe... are also incredibly concerning." This comes as Kremlin operatives are increasingly linked to sabotage missions across Europe, often leveraging far-right networks.
Despite a major FBI crackdown in the United States around 2020, which led to over a dozen arrests, the group remains active globally and at home. Analysts stress that law enforcement and online platforms must remain vigilant against the threat posed by The Base's ideology and its growing online ecosystem.
