Spain arrests 3 Russian hackers after global technical failure

Spanish police said on Saturday they had arrested three pro-Russian hackers on suspicion of carrying out cyber attacks on Spain and other NATO countries for terrorist purposes, just one day after a global technical failure hit financial and administrative institutions, media outlets and airports around the world.

The Civil Guard said the three were arrested on suspicion of participating in cyber attacks to block services of public institutions and strategic sectors.

It did not say whether the suspects had been charged or detained.

The Civil Guard added that the cyber attacks were carried out against web pages belonging to public and private organizations in government sectors, vital infrastructure and basic services in countries supporting Ukraine in the conflict with Russia.

The police posted a video on the social media platform "X" of a raid on the home of one of the suspects, where they found a Soviet-era hammer and sickle flag hanging on the wall.

"These attacks were organised by the hacker group 'No Name 057 (16),' which began its activity after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is one of the most active groups," the Civil Guard said in a statement.