Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini who was arrested on Friday in Brussels has confessed to investigators that he is "the man in the hat" caught in the Brussels airport security cameras on March 22, Belgian federal prosecutor said on Saturday.
"He was confronted with the results of various expert assessments and admitted his presence," Xinhua quoted the federal prosecutor as saying.
"The person told investigators that he had thrown his jacket in a trash can and then sold his hat."
Abrini was placed under arrest and charged with participation in a terrorist group and terrorist murders, the federal prosecutor said.
Abrini, wanted for suspected involvement in the November terrorist attacks in Paris, was arrested Friday along with five others in Brussels, by Belgian police.
Among the arrested is Osama Krayem, who as Brussels bombings probe has revealed is the second man who was present during the Maelbeek Metro Station attack.
Krayem was also present in the City 2 shop center of Brussels when buying bags that were used in the attacks, reported the Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
He was also placed under arrest and charged with participation in a terrorist group and terrorist murders.
Another two suspects, Herve B.M. and Bilal E.M., were charged with participation in a terrorist group and terrorist murders complicity.
Two more people, who were arrested along with Abrini were released after thorough hearing.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
