Authorities have arrested Spanish YouTuber Alberto R. H., popularly known as Alberto HRom, for illegally manufacturing explosives and incendiary devices, including thermite and gunpowder. The arrest took place on December 18, 2024, in Castro Urdiales, Cantabria, Spain. HRom, who amassed over 1.3 million followers across his YouTube channels, created numerous tutorials instructing viewers on how to make various explosives, which collectively clocked over 106 million views.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Sputnik, revealed the existence of a clandestine workshop where HRom was producing dangerous mixtures. The Guardia Civil noted serious public safety risks stemming from his educational videos. "The videos posed serious risks to public safety by teaching viewers the processes to make various explosives and incendiary devices," reported the Guardia Civil. The authorities detailed how, among other ingredients, HRom produced over 30 kilos of thermite, showcasing its destructive potential through video demonstrations.
Initially starting as an educational content creator focusing on scientific demonstrations, HRom shifted to manufacturing explosives, recording detailed tutorials on how to create them. "He was able to produce over 30 kilos of thermite and used it to completely destroy a vehicle near a high-value ecological area," the Guardia Civil concluded, underlining the danger of his operations adjacent to residential and industrial areas. Notably, during one fiery demonstration, HRom even obstructed firefighters who responded to quell the resulting blaze, leading to additional legal complications against him for disobedience to authorities.
The content on his channel alarmed authorities not only for the hazardous information it contained but also because it could potentially be exploited by criminal organizations and terrorist groups. “The tutorials could be utilized by criminal organizations and potential terrorists,” emphasized the Guardia Civil, as they reiterated the urgent need for greater regulation of online content.
Reflecting on the investigation, it began when experts from the Guardia Civil's weapons and explosives section detected illegal content on the social media platform. "The investigation commenced when the experts detected illegal content being published on YouTube," stated the Guardia Civil. Subsequent raids on his family farm, where he filmed many of these perilous demonstrations, led to the seizure of more than 20 kilograms of explosive-producing chemicals. Given the hazardous nature of these materials, specialized disposal teams, known as TEDAX, were called to manage the destruction of these substances.
Authorities across Spain have undertaken several operations against illegal explosives manufacturing, with this effort outlined as the sixth such operation of the year. The consequences stemming from HRom’s actions extend beyond legal repercussions—there are concerns about the influence of such dangerous content on younger audiences and those with nefarious motives.
With well over 106 million views across his videos, the impact of HRom's content raises questions about online content regulation and the responsibilities of influencers, especially those propagandizing hazardous information. There is now increasing pressure on the platforms hosting this material to enforce stricter guidelines and moderations.
The outcome of the investigation could herald significant changes not only for HRom but also for how similar content is controlled on social media platforms. Authorities are committed to screenings and punishments to prevent and deter the proliferation of dangerous tutorial content, ensuring communities remain safe from the risks posed by irresponsible content creators.
