Suspect In Foiled Paris Attack Plot Charged With Terrorism Offenses

Paris's prosecutor says the main suspect in a foiled attack plot has been charged with a string of terrorism offenses.

Francois Molins said on March 30 that the suspect Reda Kriket -- a French national -- is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one "imminent" attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents.

Kriket, 34, was arrested near Paris last week. A police raid on his apartment discovered a cache of assault rifles, handguns, and homemade explosives.

French authorities believe Kriket traveled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium.

Kriket was convicted in absentia in July 2015 on terrorism changes in Belgium.

Kriket is linked to the suspected ringleader of the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris that claimed 130 lives.

Investigators say another major attack had been in an "advanced stage" of planning.

At least three other suspects in the case are in custody in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile in Brussels, an official linked to the investigation of the Brussels attacks said a laptop found near the hideout of the suspects behind the March 22 bombings contained images of the Belgium prime minister's official residence and office.

The official, who didn’t want to be identified, told the Associated Press that the computer contained information gathered from the Internet.

He said that, at the moment, there were "absolutely no" specific indications that Prime Minister Charles Michel was under threat from the attackers.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP