A second 23-year-old man has been arrested in the investigation into the war weapon found at Brussels-South Station. Floriant T.M. was identified through surveillance cameras and arrested at Mons railway station. Both suspects are due to appear before the Brussels Council Chamber on Wednesday.

(Staff: Belgium / Justice & Crime)

The investigation into the man arrested last week at Brussels-South Station with a Kalashnikov has been expanded. Authorities have announced the arrest of a second suspect, a 23-year-old man named Floriant T.M., according to information confirmed Tuesday by the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office.

First suspect: Nabil S.T.

Last week, customs officers removed a visibly nervous 23-year-old man from the crowd at the busy station. In his luggage, hidden beneath baby clothes, they discovered a loaded Kalashnikov-type war weapon. The man was detained and is due to appear before the Brussels Council Chamber on Wednesday.

The suspect was identified as Nabil S.T., a 23-year-old Moroccan citizen who is believed to have travelled by train from France to Belgium. He is suspected of membership of a criminal organisation and illegal possession of a weapon.

Second suspect: Floriant T.M.

Meanwhile, police arrested a second suspect, Floriant T.M., also 23. According to La Dernière Heure, his suspicious behaviour attracted attention shortly after the first man was arrested. He was identified through the station’s video surveillance system.

The young man was arrested by a mixed patrol of police officers and military personnel as he got off a train at Mons railway station. He too is due to appear before the Council Chamber on Wednesday, which will decide whether to extend his pre-trial detention.

Investigation continues

The Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the arrest of the second suspect but provided no further details. Last Friday, the authorities had already announced the opening of an investigation, stressing that no additional information would be released in order to prevent evidence from disappearing or the investigation from being obstructed.