Cult leader jailed after police uncover dangerous rituals in Tenerife
The leader of a destructive cult operating in Tenerife has been remanded in custody pending trial after a National Police investigation uncovered a pattern of psychological abuse, dangerous rituals and financial exploitation.
Five people were arrested in connection with the case. Four were detained in Tenerife and another in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. They are suspected of a wide range of serious offences, including membership of an illegal organisation, animal abuse, fraud, bodily harm, crimes against public health and document falsification.
Police say the group deliberately targeted vulnerable people, subjecting them to intense psychological control in order to take their money and maintain absolute dominance over their lives. Investigators describe a cult that carried out Santería-style rituals, and a system based on deception, coercion and fear, including the deliberate manipulation of spiritual beliefs.
Santería is a recognised Afro-Caribbean religion with deep cultural roots, practised legitimately by many people worldwide. However, police have stressed that the group dismantled in Tenerife allegedly exploited distorted elements of Santería as a cover for criminal activity.
Under the guise of spiritual guidance, the suspects allegedly charged followers large sums of money for so-called rituals, promising protection from spiritual harm, bad luck or illness. Instead, police say participants were exposed to serious physical and mental risks.
During these ceremonies, animals were reportedly sacrificed, and followers were encouraged to consume hazardous substances, including jimsonweed (a highly toxic plant), poppers and cocaine, all of which pose serious dangers to health.
The psychological grip of the group’s leader was described by investigators as extreme. Several former followers have required psychiatric treatment after managing to leave the cult, showing the lasting impact of the abuse.
All five suspects were brought before the courts last Thursday. A judge ordered provisional imprisonment for the alleged leader of the cult, while precautionary measures were imposed on the remaining detainees as the investigation continues.
The National Police have issued a strong warning about the danger posed by destructive cults, stressing that such groups often disguise criminal behaviour behind a façade of spirituality to exploit followers financially and emotionally.
As part of efforts to combat these organisations, police have made a dedicated email address available, sectasdestructivas@policia.es, allowing members of the public to report related information anonymously and in complete confidence.
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