Belgian woman charged in foiled Paris terror plot against Bank of America

Paris authorities have charged and jailed a 24-year-old Belgian woman in connection with a foiled terror plot targeting the Paris headquarters of Bank of America. She is the fifth individual to be charged in the investigation, which includes two minors.

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Between 500 to 1000 euros

The suspect, who resides in Liege, Belgium, was extradited to France on Thursday under a European arrest warrant. Prosecutors have charged her with "terrorist association with the aim of preparing acts of terrorism," specifically involving the preparation of destructive devices likely to cause death. She also faces charges for "possession and transport of explosive material in connection with a terrorist enterprise and organized crime."

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terrorist association with the aim of preparing acts of terrorism, having for objective the preparation of one or more destructions by explosive or incendiary substances in circumstances likely to result in the death of one or more persons

Investigators believe the plot may be linked to the extremist group "Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya" (Hayi), which has claimed responsibility for attacks in Belgium, the UK, and the Netherlands. In this specific case, the woman is suspected of recruiting three teenagers to plant an improvised explosive device at the bank. She allegedly offered them between 500 and 1000 euros to carry out the attack and film it.

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detention and transport of explosive product in connection with a terrorist enterprise and in organized crime

The teenagers reportedly attempted the attack on March 26-27 but were deterred by a marked vehicle. A second attempt by two of them the following night was interrupted by police, leading to their arrest. The woman's lawyer declined to comment on the case.

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She has been placed in provisional detention