Spanish police have smashed a gang which is suspected of financing Mideast terror groups with money fleeced from foreigners by time share sharks.
Eleven people, including the gang's alleged leader, Mohamed Jamil Derbah, a Lebanese, were arrested in raids in Madrid and Tenerife.
A police spokesman said the gang may have ties to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the Syrian-backed Amal movement.
Interior Minister Mr Mariano Rajoy said they were accused of fleecing tourists, including Irish, Britons and Germans, in the Canary Islands.
The group allegedly amassed more than £7 million sterling through illegal time share activities.
Mr Rajoy said he was unaware if those arrested had participated in terrorist acts.
"It's an authentic criminal group, very negative for the citizens' security and tourism," Mr Rajoy said.
There was no immediate connection between the 11 and the eight men arrested in Spain last week and accused of possible links to the September 11th attacks.
AP