Published

Europe29 March, 20261 min read

France Links Foiled Paris Bomb Plot to Pro-Iranian HAYI Group

Foiled bombing outside Bank of America Paris office leads to three arrests and terrorism probe. Prosecutors are examining a potential link to pro-Iranian group HAYI; formal linkage not established.

France Links Foiled Paris Bomb Plot to Pro-Iranian HAYI Group
Image: www.israelhayom

Paris Bomb Plot

French prosecutors linked the foiled bomb plot to a pro-Iranian group called HAYI. HAYI had posted a propaganda video targeting Jewish interests and naming Bank of America’s Paris headquarters. Three young men were recruited to detonate the device in return for payment.

The attack was foiled because police were tipped off about the video. France is seeking terrorism charges against an adult and three teenagers.

Image from ABC News
Image: ABC News

Europewide Campaign

HAYI uses a model previously linked to Iran to recruit criminal gangs. The group claimed responsibility for attacks in Belgium, Britain, and the Netherlands.

European officials warned the US-Israeli war could lead to attacks in Europe. The Jewish school in Amsterdam was hit shortly before the Paris attempt.

Image from Al Jazeera
Image: Al Jazeera

Charges and Investigation

France is seeking charges of criminal terrorist conspiracy and manufacturing an explosive device. The device was a five-litre petrol can taped to a large pyrotechnic charge. A fifth person was released due to lack of evidence.

The Iranian embassy declined to comment. American and Israeli facilities have become targets despite Europe’s non-involvement.

Reporting for this sectionMintThe Straits TimesThe Jerusalem Post