Else Beekman
The Guardia Civil has dismantled a sect operating across Cáceres, where the leader manipulated members into selling their possessions and handing over the proceeds, which he then used to purchase weapons. He claimed to be Jesus Christ and convinced his followers to obtain shooting licenses and go shooting together.
This ‘Operación Hervasio’, resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the indictment of eight others, with accusations ranging from illegal association to fraud, according to a report released on Monday.
The investigation began last year after former members came forward, claiming they had been defrauded by the sect’s leader. These complaints, originally filed in Jaén, revealed that the victims were coerced into selling their property and transferring the profits to the leader. Authorities have stated that a significant portion of the stolen funds, amounting to €42,000, was spent on expanding the leader’s personal arsenal.
Manipulation and fraud in a sect-like operation
The sect operated in several towns in Cáceres, including Jaraíz de la Vera and Hervás, with members being tricked into donating over €1 million. The money was laundered through the organisation’s accounts before being funneled into private accounts belonging to the leader’s family.
Beyond financial exploitation, the sect leaders encouraged their followers to acquire gun licences under the guise of taking part in sports shooting. However, the real intent was to arm the group’s leader. Many of these licences were obtained fraudulently to build an extensive and illegal stockpile of weapons.
Weapons and cash seized
During the six raids conducted as part of ‘Operación Hervasio’, the Guardia Civil seized over 80 weapons, including deactivated war weapons, illegal firearms, and air rifles. The collection was valued at approximately €73,000. Authorities also confiscated 7,600 rounds of ammunition, silencers, and €64,000 in cash. In addition to this, €20,000 worth of computer equipment was also impounded, and several bank accounts linked to the sect were frozen.
Sect leader faces multiple charges
The main suspect now faces a range of serious charges, including fraud, illegal association, and coercion, along with accusations of threats, embezzlement, injury, and disloyal management. Over 100 victims have been identified so far, as investigations into the sect’s fraudulent activities continue.