Expatica news

ETA logistics chief arrested

25 October 2004

BILBAO – A prominent member of the Basque terrorist group ETA was arrested Monday, Guardia Civil sources said.

Harri Totorika, 25, who is thought to be in charge of logistics for the terrorist group, was detained in Bilbao in the early hours of the morning during a raid. 

Totorika is linked to the former military head of the group, Ibon Fernandez de Iradi, whose alias is Susper, who was arrested in Mont de Marsan in France on 4 December 2003.

Guardia Civil sources said Totorika was arrested at his home just after 2am.

Anti-terrorist police have seized various boxes and bags which were being examined Monday.

The Guardia Civil also raided the house of Totorika’s parents in Bilbao and another house in Abadina, a small town nearby.

The latest arrest follows the detention earlier this month of two of ETA’s leaders Mikel Albisu, alias Antza, and his partner, Soledad Iparragirre, alias Anboto in France along with 18 others.

Antza was considered the political leader of the group and Anboto was responsible for extorting cash to fund the group.

Their arrest was hailed by Spanish and French authorities as the most significant blow against ETA for 12 years.

A huge arms cache was also seized at various arms dumps in the south-west of France in the same operation.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news