A joint statement from the DGSN-DGST directorates said physicochemical examinations and digital trace analysis conducted by the National Laboratory of Scientific and Technical Police in Casablanca revealed substances used in explosive manufacturing at the home of the suspect, who was arrested in Tangier on October 9 on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
According to the statement, the substances included acetone peroxide (TATP), a highly sensitive primary explosive. Investigators also found urea-based fertilizer and a nitric acid solution, used to produce urea nitrate, as well as powerful chemical powders that increase the force of an explosion. Another strongly oxidizing product could be used to extract chlorate, which can serve as an explosive charge.
The analyses were conducted by the laboratory’s criminal evidence chemistry unit, physical analysis division and digital traces division. They covered samples of various chemical substances and electronic devices seized from the suspect by Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations officers, in coordination with Tangier judicial police.
Technical examinations confirmed the use of an acetone solution and acidic solutions as precursors in TATP production. They also established the use of a sodium chloride solution and batteries connected by electrical wires to a metal object to obtain a flammable, rust-based substance. Sodium carbonate and an alkaline solution had been used to neutralize acid during explosive preparation.
Explosive devices
The examinations also found electrical current and battery-charge measuring devices, a mobile phone connected to electrical wires and a circuit breaker. The suspect possessed components used to assemble electrical circuits for remotely controlled or timer-operated explosive devices. Nails and screw heads, intended to act as shrapnel and increase the number of casualties in an explosion, were also among the seized items.
Digital traces recovered from a mobile phone with distinctive characteristics showed that the device had been modified. Electronic circuits and electrical connections had been added, and its operating mode altered so it could be used to activate or trigger explosives.
The physicochemical and digital analyses established that the suspect had reached an advanced stage in preparing to manufacture explosives. The nature of the seized substances and how they had been combined demonstrated this progress. Technical evidence also indicated that he had carried out test explosions in preparation for using them in terrorist operations.
Affiliated with Daesh
The statement said the scientific and technical examinations formed part of efforts to use advanced science and technology in criminal investigations, underscoring the role of scientific evidence in solving such cases. The findings support the investigation led by the BCIJ under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office. The 22-year-old suspect is affiliated with the terrorist organization Daesh.
According to the same source, the suspect also possessed handwritten documents describing criminal hacking methods. Other seized items included electronic devices, a modified mobile phone connected to electrical wires, a soldering iron and soldering wire, batteries, adhesive tape, a quantity of nails, circuit breakers and welding goggles. Investigators also seized solid and liquid chemical substances used to prepare and manufacture explosives.
