A Belgian of Moroccan descent suspected of involvement in the preparation of “imminent terrorist projects” in Morocco was arrested in Brussels late last week. This is confirmed by spokesman Eric Van Der Sypt of the federal prosecutor’s office on Saturday afternoon. The 27-year-old suspect has been arrested by a Brussels investigating judge. His possible extradition to Morocco is not yet on the agenda.
“He was arrested and arrested because he is suspected of having planned an attack in Morocco,” said Van Der Sypt, according to a report by BRUZZ. “We worked well with the Moroccan services.”
The arrest of Abdellah Al-Beljiki was carried out with the cooperation of Moroccan intelligence services, the AFP news agency announced Friday evening on the basis of a statement from the Moroccan anti-terror police.
The case is related to the arrest in Morocco on Wednesday of an extremist linked to the Islamic State terrorist group. The man is suspected of plotting bombings against foreigners, senior Moroccan security and government officials, and military sites and prisons. The 27-year-old suspect is also said to have been responsible for recruiting helpers for his plan, which was to take place on Moroccan territory.
Financing
The person arrested in Belgium transferred money in euros to the man arrested in Morocco at the beginning of March. It would be a first advance in a financing operation for the purchase of compounds and chemical products used in the production of explosives, the Moroccan police said.
Morocco has been relatively spared from terrorist violence in recent years, but the security services do regularly report raids and foiled plans for attacks.
