Brussels attacks – Police were keeping an eye on Khalid El Bakraoui

Federal police searched Khalid El Bakraoui’s house just twenty days before the Paris attacks.
El Bakraoui was behind the attack on the Maelbeek metro station on the 22nd of March 2016, De Morgen reported on Saturday.

The paper got access to a police report that describes how El Bakraoui asked friends to gather “as much Kalachnikov ammunition as possible” during the summer of 2015. Investigators bugged his phone, placed him under surveillance and photographed him while he was meeting with a buyer.

His house was searched on the 21st of October 2015, but no weapon was found so he was not arrested. Investigators did find “calls for jihad” and “photos of known terrorists” on his laptop.

Another report reveals an officer from the anti-terrorist division said he “showed signs of radicalisation”. Despite this, nothing was done.

“Suspects perceived as “classic criminals” were occasionally linked to ISIS at that time”, says a source close to the anti-terrorist division. He also confirmed that 120 suspects suspected of sympathising with ISIS were arrested during this period.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

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