About us

The history of the Intelligence Center for Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO) is the story of how the Spanish State, learning from critical experiences, decided to centralize and refine its security system in response to the most complex threats. Today, CITCO is the heart of intelligence within the Ministry of the Interior.

The need to integrate information arose from reality. In 2004, following the March 11 terrorist attacks in Madrid, it became evident that the dispersion of counter-terrorism information among different agencies posed a risk. As a result, in May 2004 the National Counter-Terrorism Coordination Center (CNCA) was created, with the primary objective of unifying strategies and ensuring that all intelligence flowed properly. A year later, in 2005, the Intelligence Center against Organized Crime (CICO) was established, dedicated to dismantling the structures and logistics of major criminal organizations, from drug trafficking to human trafficking.

However, it soon became clear that these two worlds were not separate and that there was a link between the two threats, which led to the need to create comprehensive responses addressing terrorism and organized crime jointly. Thus, in 2014 the logical decision was made and, in October of that year, both centers were merged, creating the current CITCO.

CITCO is not only positioned hierarchically at a key level—as a deputy directorate-general body within the Secretariat of State for Security of the Ministry of the Interior—but it also operates physically under an integrated intelligence model. Its two headquarters, in Madrid and Las Rozas, host a multidisciplinary team working under the principle of absolute loyalty: not only are the National Police and the Civil Guard represented, but also analysts from the National Intelligence Center (CNI), the Intelligence Center of the Armed Forces (CIFAS), personnel from regional police forces and from Penitentiary Institutions (IIPP), civil servants from the General State Administration, and other staff members.

This team uses essential IT tools in its daily work—systems designed to automatically cross-check and analyze information from investigations conducted by the different agencies—in order to eliminate duplication of efforts, carrying out continuous and constant coordination that provides the public security system with a high level of efficiency.

With the evolution of threats and European commitments, CITCO has gradually assumed top-level responsibilities. It is responsible for managing the National Passenger Information Office (ONIP), which plays a key role in analyzing commercial flight data and detecting high-risk movements. In addition, it acts as the national point of contact for the management of major European Union security systems. This includes coordinating Spain’s participation in the European Entry-Exit System, designed to register third-country nationals at the border, and in the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), which is essential for customs control and the security of goods entering Europe.

Mission

The Center's mission is to collect, analyze, and share key information to prevent and combat terrorism and organized crime. It works to support security forces and public institutions by coordinating and providing reliable and timely data to protect citizens and ensure national security.

Vision

The Center aspires to become a national and international benchmark in intelligence analysis against complex threats. It is the sole point of reference for matters related to organized crime and terrorism at the national level. It seeks to lead innovation in tools, methodologies, and cooperation between agencies, with the aim of anticipating risks and reinforcing a safer and more stable environment for all.

Values

The Center is guided by values such as integrity, collaboration, and responsibility. It promotes transparency in its actions, respect for fundamental rights, and a constant commitment to public service. In addition, it encourages teamwork and coordination between institutions to provide an effective response to threats.