Clandestine Explosives Workshop Exposed: YouTuber's Tutorials Spark Civil Guard Action
In a shocking turn of events, the Civil Guard has dismantled a clandestine workshop for the illegal manufacturing of explosive and incendiary mixtures in Castro Urdiales, Cantabria. This operation has led to the arrest of an individual who produced these dangerous compounds and shared the intricate process on his YouTube channel, which boasts over one million subscribers.
The detained individual faces multiple charges including illegal explosives manufacturing, creating hazardous conditions due to the risk posed by explosives and incendiary substances, contributing to the threat of forest fires, and disobedience to an authority figure. According to statements from the armed institute, the suspect not only engaged in illicit production but also meticulously documented the process, presenting it step-by-step in tutorials designed for public consumption.
In total, more than 60 videos were published on his channel, featuring not only the creation of explosive mixtures and devices but also instructions for crafting homemade weapons, including a flamethrower. Disturbingly, these videos also showcased demonstrations of the destructive capabilities of the created devices. This dangerous trend caught the attention of the Civil Guard's Information Service, which specializes in tracking weapon and explosives trafficking. The proliferation of such content posed a significant threat to public safety as millions may attempt to replicate these hazardous activities.
Recent history showcases the real dangers of this content; in 2022, a man was arrested in Pontevedra for illegally manufacturing explosives after following this very YouTuber’s tutorials, leading to a sentence of one year and six months imprisonment. The seized devices from the arrested individual revealed that he had indeed utilized the tutorial videos as a guide for his unlawful activities.
The suspect recorded the instructional videos on family-owned land located disturbingly close to residential neighborhoods, industrial areas, and forested regions, posing a substantial risk of accidental explosions. With a staggering 106 million views across his videos, the potential for misuse escalates alarmingly.
For one particular video, the individual demonstrated the production of over 30 kilos of an incendiary mixture known as Thermite, which he utilized to obliterate a vehicle parked on his property, perilously close to a forest area of notable ecological importance. Another video outlined instructions for making homemade napalm and included demonstrations regarding the effectiveness and range of his flamethrower.
Following the Civil Guard's investigation, agents identified the creator and located the clandestine workshop responsible for the hazardous creations. They executed two searches of the premises and seized over 20 kilos of chemical substances meant for the illegal manufacturing of explosives, along with various computer equipment for further examination.
In light of the risks associated with the hazardous chemical products uncovered, the Civil Guard urgently called in Explosive Deactivation Technicians (TEDAX) to manage the analysis and destruction of these materials. This case emphasizes ongoing concerns surrounding explosives and their illegal manufacturing, with the Civil Guard noting that 2023 has already witnessed six operations aimed at curtailing the illegal production of explosives using precursors. The implications of such illicit activities not only threaten public safety but also highlight the dangers embedded in the digital age where tutorial videos can inspire dangerous imitations.
Related Sources: