Title: The Arras attack: the latest developments in the investigation reveal a radicalized entourage
Introduction :
The tragic attack which took place in Arras continues to raise numerous questions and revelations. The latest developments in the investigation highlight a radicalized attacker, under surveillance by the intelligence services, but also a family and prison entourage linked to jihadist activities. In this article, we reveal the latest information regarding the investigation into this attack.
A radicalized attacker under surveillance:
This is Mohammed Mogouchkov, a 20-year-old young man born in Russia but residing in France since 2008. Although he has no criminal record, he was nevertheless under surveillance by the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) since July last. The intelligence services implemented physical surveillance and wiretapping measures following the links established between the attacker and his brother, currently detained.
An influential family and prison entourage:
The investigation also reveals the determining influence of the father and brother of the attacker in his actions. The father, on S file and deported in 2018, was known for his radical ideologies. As for the attacker’s older brother, already convicted for not having denounced a planned attack, he was also found guilty of advocating terrorism. Another person, detained and in police custody, also arouses the interest of investigators because of his exchange with the attacker on secure networks.
The attacker’s motivations:
The exact motivations of the attacker remain to be defined according to the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin. If the latter had mentioned a link with events in the Middle East, he specifies that the investigation is further delving into this question. Investigators are trying to determine if the attacker was communicating on his phone before committing the act.
No flaws in the intelligence services:
The French authorities, following this attack, affirm that there was no fault in the monitoring of the attacker by the intelligence services. Gérald Darmanin maintains that nothing suggested that the individual would take action, despite his known radicalization. However, he highlights a lack of time in the exploitation of intelligence techniques following a check carried out the day before the attack.
Conclusion :
The investigation into the Arras attack reveals disturbing elements concerning the family and prison environment of the attacker, as well as his own radicalization. The authorities insist on the absence of flaws in the surveillance of the attacker but admit a lack of time to fully exploit the information collected. The investigation continues to determine the precise motivations for this terrorist act and to possibly shed light on other possible complicity.