Paris Attacks Suspect Salah Abdeslam’s Fingerprint Found In Brussels Apartment, Prosecutor Says

A Belgian prosecutor said Friday that a fingerprint belonging to Salah Abdeslam, the fugitive linked to the November Paris attacks, was found at an apartment during a raid on Dec. 10. Police officials believe that the explosive belts used by the attackers might have been made at the apartment, on the third floor of a building in Schaerbeek, Brussels.

“Material that can be used to fabricate explosives as well as traces of TATP [acetone peroxide] were found,” said a statement from the prosecutor, cited by the Independent, adding: “This apartment was rented under a false identity that might have been used by a person already in custody in this case.”

Federal prosecutor Eric Van der Sypt said Friday that the same house was likely used as a hideout by the fugitive suspect after the attacks, the Associated Press reported. The residence is believed to have served as a bomb factory for the Paris attacks, the prosecutor added.

“Three handmade belts that might be used to transport explosives as well as a fingerprint of Salah Abdeslam were also discovered,” the prosecutor reportedly said in the statement.

The man who had rented out the apartment is currently under police custody, the Local, a French newspaper, reported.

Abdeslam’s brother Ibrahim Abdeslam had blown himself up during the attacks that killed 130 people on Nov. 13 in the French capital. Salah, who is believed to have arranged a vehicle used by the attackers, is now one of the most wanted men in Europe. The Islamic State group had claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attacks.