Russian-Ukrainian ’terrorist’ arrested in Paris for detonating ’Mother of Satan’ bomb near airport hotel

It comes just days after French authorities foiled an ’islamist-inspired’ Olympics terror plot

A Suspected Russian-Ukrainian terrorist has been arrested in Paris after causing an explosion by city’s biggest airport.

A 26-year-old caused the blast near Charles de Gaulle airport using an improvised bomb with "Mother of Satan" chemicals favoured by ISIS bombers, it emerged last night.

One of the explosive devices found in Monday’s attack

The explosion happened in a nearby hotel on Monday afternoon, just two days before world leaders - including president Joe Biden - flew into the French capital in time for the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.

The B&B HOTEL Paris Roissy CDG Aéroport, in Roissy-en-France, was evacuated and closed following the attack.

The Russian-Ukrainian from Donbas, who has not been named, was in custody on Wednesday night following the explosion at Charles de Gaulle.

He suffered severe burns to his face and arms after igniting Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) in an £80-room at the B&B Hotel, within the perimeter of the airport, which is the largest in France.

The chemicals were used by ISIS suicide bombers during the November 2015 attacks on Paris, which claimed 130 lives, and also by the Manchester Arena bomber in 2017, when 22 people were killed, and more than 1000 wounded.

Terrorist groups behind such attacks, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda, frequently refer to TATP as "Mother of Satan".

Despite his burns, the suspect at Charles de Gaulle was afterwards able to communicate with officers from the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) – France’s domestic security service.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors were also informed, and a formal investigation was opened into a variety of alleged offences.

"Initial findings revealed products and materials intended for the manufacture of explosive devices on site," a source at France’s national anti-terrorist prosecutor’s office told news outlet BFMTV.

"One of the improvised explosive devices exploded. The hotel had to be evacuated.

"The man, of Russian and Ukrainian nationality, who was conscious despite his injuries, explained to investigators that he had built homemade batteries for mobile phones when one of them exploded."

Multiple security sources later confirmed that traces of TATP were found at the B&B Hotel.

The batteries were covered in plastic, with a match, powder and barbecue lighters inside a package, said the source.

As well as improvised bomb-making equipment, DGSI investigators found "multiple passports" in the man’s luggage, he added.

France has raised its security alert to the highest level in the run-up to the Olympic GamesCredit: EPA

The case has also been immediately placed in the hands of the specialist anti-terror prosecutors rather than criminal prosecutors.

On Wednesday, calls to the hotel, which is a short walk away from all the Charles de Gaulle terminals, went unanswered.

As well as bomb-making equipment, DGSI investigators found ‘multiple passports’ in the man’s luggage.

The 2-star B&B tourist hotel – one that is frequently used by British travellers – was immediately evacuated, and on Wednesday remained closed.

It has 226 air-conditioned, non-smoking rooms and describes itself as a "cheap and well-located 24-hour check-in hotel".

Its publicity states that it is "very close to the largest French and Parisian airport, so no more risk of missing your flight."

The suspect is said to have arrived in France "very recently," according to another investigating source, and had booked into the B&B Hotel under his own name.

The suspect is said to be recovering from his wounds and cooperating with officials.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors confirmed they have opened an investigation into participation in a terrorist criminal association for preparing attacks, possession of explosives, or other elements for destruction or harm in connection with a terrorist enterprise.

There have been numerous high-level warnings of potential Russian attacks on European soil throughout ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.

This week, France is hosting high-profile commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

US President Joe Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and other leaders are expected to attend the main event on Thursday.

Paris has indicated that President Emmanuel Macron is also seeking to ramp up support for Ukraine, including military backing, moves that have angered Moscow.

The man’s arrest follows Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning of Moscow-run agents plotting atrocities in Europe.

In May, Mr Tusk said nine people have been arrested for allegedly preparing acts of sabotage in EU member states in co-ordination with Russian intelligence.

He said those detained were Belarusian, Polish and Ukrainian citizens, possibly recruited from organised crime groups.

All were accused of ‘beatings, arson and attempted arson’, and were ‘directly implicated in the name of Russian services in acts of sabotage in Poland’.

They were also suspected of preparing attacks in Lithuania, Latvia and possibly Sweden, he said.

Multiple European intelligence agencies have also warned their governments that Russia was planning violent acts across the continent.

ON ALERT

France has raised its security alert to the highest level in the run-up to the Olympic Games in Paris from July 26 to August 11.

Just last week, French security services foiled a plot for an "Islamist-inspired" attack which was planned for during this summer’s Olympic Games.

The country’s domestic intelligence agency arrested 18-year-old Rokhman B. who is suspected of organising an attack on a football game in Lyon.

The Chechen immigrant to France is said to have wanted to disrupt games planned in Saint-Étienne, a city in the east of the country, and "die a martyr" by killing spectators or police officers.

France’s interior ministry said he had been detained for "actively preparing an attack against the Geoffroy Guichard stadium [in Saint-Etienne] during the football games that will take place there."

An investigating source said: "His first attack has been foiled.

"He is currently in custody and being linked to Islamist groups."

TERROR WARNINGS

ISIS could also be gearing up for a new wave of attacks after cops foiled 12 terror plots across Europe in the past year.

Fears are increasing the terror group could leverage the Middle East conflict to launch bloodshed in the continent and spark chaos.

Western intelligence has revealed cops stopped at least 12 terror attacks in the past 12 months. across Europe.

Ten jihadist attacks have been bravely intercepted and prevented in Europe last year, says Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.

Among the attacks foiled include stabbing rampages at global events, and barbaric assaults on specific venues and groups being targeted, the annual report revealed.

AIVD didn’t elaborate further on where the 10 attacks were set to take place.

James Smith