Arrest in Tangier of 22-year-old suspect linked to Daesh, explosive material seized
A 22-year-old man suspected of belonging to Daesh and preparing attacks in Morocco has been arrested in Tangier. Electronic equipment and chemical substances have been seized.
Tangier: 22-year-old man arrested for suspected links with Daesh
The judicial police services in Tangier arrested on Saturday 10 October an individual aged 22 suspected of affiliation with the terrorist organisation Daesh and involvement in the preparation of terrorist acts on Moroccan territory. According to LNT.ma, the operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence provided by the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST).
The Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), which issued a statement on the same day, indicates that searches conducted in connection with this matter resulted in several significant seizures.
Material seized: manuscripts, chemical substances and electronic equipment
Investigators discovered manuscripts containing indications relating to methods of computer intrusion, as well as electronic equipment. Among the items seized is a modified telephone connected to electrical wires.
The security services also seized various technical equipment: welding equipment, batteries, electrical switches, adhesive tape, nails and welding goggles.
Solid and liquid chemical substances, suspected of being usable in the manufacture of explosives, were also found during the searches. These products are to be subjected to technical and scientific expert analysis in order to determine their exact composition. The authorities have not yet released the results of these analyses.
Tests of explosive devices and ongoing investigation
According to initial data gathered, the suspect allegedly undertook concrete steps with a view to preparing terrorist projects in Morocco. The BCIJ specifically notes that the individual in question allegedly carried out certain tests for the preparation of explosive devices, which investigators consider to be evidence of his alleged involvement in preparation activities of a terrorist nature.
The investigation should, however, make it possible to determine the precise nature of the projects envisaged, their stage of advancement and any potential targets concerned. The BCIJ statement provides, at this stage, no details on the locations or objectives that may have been targeted.
Custody and supervision by the counter-terrorism prosecutor
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought before the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations and placed in custody. The investigation continues under the supervision of the competent prosecutor for terrorism matters.
The investigations aim in particular to identify all the projects in which the accused is suspected of being involved, as well as to establish the existence of any connections with other individuals or networks, in Morocco or abroad. The exploitation of the electronic equipment seized and the results of the scientific expert analyses should help to clarify the circumstances of this matter.
Source: LNT.ma