The federal prosecutor’s office made seven arrests as 14 properties across the nation were raided. Those detained are suspected of preparing a terrorist attack and other offences. The specific targets of the attack have not yet been established, the federal prosecutor’s office says. The arrest of two Russians in Germany is being linked to the Belgian raids.
The raids took place in Antwerp, Sint-Joost-ten-Node (Brussels), Liège and Seraing (Liège), Menen and Kortrijk (West Flanders), Ghent (East Flanders), Leopoldsburg and Zonhoven (Limburg). Seven persons were taken away for questioning. An examining magistrate must now decide whether they will be arraigned and arrested.
Those involved are suspected of having participated in the activities of a terrorist group, of financing terrorism and preparing a terrorist attack. A specific target had not yet been established, prosecutors say.
The federal prosecutor’s office is not commenting further.
Russians held in Germany
Two Russians have been arrested in Germany. They are suspected of raising cash to fund terrorist attacks. German prosecutors say they may be linked to the suspects held in Belgium and that the Russians wanted to collect funds in other European countries to finance terrorist acts by IS (Islamic State). Belgium’s Francophone broadcaster RTBf says the timing of the raids is linked to the start of the Paris Olympics. There is as yet no indication that the Games were being targeted, but security services didn’t want to take any risks. The RTBf says several of the suspects detained in Belgium hail from Central Asia where IS-affiliate ISKP is active.
