French Officer Arrested for Terror Plot, 3D-Printed Weapons

A 35-year-old French police officer was arrested early this week on suspicion of planning a serious terror attack and manufacturing illegal firearms using 3D printing technology, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the country's law enforcement system.

The arrest took place on the street Sunday, August 23, when officers from the Central Directorate for Combating Terrorism apprehended the suspect moments before he completed his shift in the Yvelines region.

The suspect, an active-duty police officer, is identified as having violent far-right extremist ideology. According to the investigation conducted by security officials and the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, he was working to prepare serious terrorist operations against various targets and planned to harm state interests.

The covert and overt investigation revealed that the officer is suspected of manufacturing and possessing firearms and weapon components using 3D printers. Raids carried out by investigators at his home and inside his private vehicle led to the discovery of various weapon components that reinforced the suspicions against him.

The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against him including several serious charges: individual preparation to commit an act of terrorism, manufacturing and possession of illegal weapons in connection with a terrorist organization, and incitement to commit acts of terrorism through online communication networks. Since his arrest, he has been held in custody pending trial.