Belgian Woman Charged Over Foiled Attack Plot Against Bank of America in Paris

Paris – 31 July 2026: A Belgian woman has been formally charged in the investigation into a foiled alleged attack on Bank of America’s Paris branch. The national anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office announced this on Friday. Five suspects, including two minors, are now being held in pre-trial detention in the case. The woman’s identity and the specific allegations against her were not initially made public.

The case dates back to the night of 28 March. At that time, police officers arrested a teenager outside Bank of America’s branch on Rue La Boétie in the 8th arrondissement. According to investigators, there was an attempt to ignite an improvised incendiary device in front of the building. The alleged plan was foiled and no one was injured.

That same night, the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office took over the investigation. Authorities are examining suspicions of a criminal association with terrorist intent. The anti-terrorism unit of the Paris criminal police and the domestic intelligence service DGSI were tasked with the investigation. Several other people were taken into police custody in the days following the initial arrest.

Four suspects in the case had already been charged in early April. The newly announced decision expands the group of people against whom an investigating judge is conducting formal proceedings. A charge in the French investigative procedure means that, in the view of the judiciary, serious or corroborating evidence exists. However, it does not prejudge the outcome of the proceedings.

Pre-trial detention is also not a finding of guilt. It is ordered by a judge and must be justified by statutory grounds for detention, such as the needs of the investigation or the prevention of a possible danger. All suspects are presumed innocent.

The location is near the Champs-Elysees in a densely built-up business district with offices, hotels, shops and heavy traffic. The arrest outside the bank building therefore quickly attracted attention. According to the account at the time, police had already been deployed to secure the surrounding area and were able to intervene before the alleged incendiary device could have its intended effect.

On Friday, the prosecutor’s office did not comment on possible links between the five suspects or on the role attributed to the Belgian woman. It is also not yet publicly known whether investigators believe they are dealing with an established group or a looser network. The investigation concerns the preparation of the act, possible supporters and the communications of those involved.

The case is being handled by the Paris anti-terrorism judiciary, which is responsible for terrorism proceedings in France. With the fifth charge and pre-trial detention, the proceedings now concern five people, two of whom are minors.