National Police agents have arrested four people in Tenerife and one in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, for their alleged participation in the crimes of criminal association, animal abuse, fraud, assault, crimes against public health, and document forgery.
The arrested individuals allegedly led a group that, in order to enrich themselves illicitly and under the guise of Santería (an Afro-American cult), exerted absolute control over their followers (individuals with various vulnerabilities) whom they manipulated through deception and the instillation of fears, sometimes of a spiritual nature.
They performed ceremonies with animal sacrifices and drug use
The detainees managed a group that, under a guise of spirituality, performed esoteric rituals in exchange for significant financial compensation, for the supposed attainment of personal benefits or the avoidance of spiritual ills or even illnesses.
During the rituals performed, animals were sacrificed and substances that posed a health risk were consumed, such as datura, poppers, or cocaine.The psychological control exerted by the leader was of such intensity that several followers had to receive psychiatric treatment after leaving the destructive group
Provisional prison for the leader of the destructive cult
The detainees were brought before the court last Thursday, with provisional detention ordered for the leader of the destructive cult and precautionary measures for the rest of those arrested.The specialists in charge of these investigations maintain the email address [email protected] available so that any citizen can report related incidents, guaranteeing anonymity and confidentiality at all times
The agents warn the public of the risk posed by these types of groups, given that, within the framework of apparently spiritual activities and using deception and coercion of their followers, they carry out illicit acts in exchange for significant financial benefits.
