“13-Year-Old Questioned by Police After Making 380 False Bomb Threats in France”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Paris Teenager Arrested for Making 380 False Bomb Threats Across France

Paris — A 13-year-old boy is currently being questioned by police in western France in connection with a wave of false bomb threats that have plagued the country. The adolescent is suspected of emailing or calling in at least 380 threats to airports, courthouses, and universities across France.

The teenager, who is believed to suffer from behavioral issues, was apprehended by police on Monday. He now faces multiple charges, including providing false information about impending destruction and making death threats.

Authorities have noted a significant increase in hoax threats across France since the fall of 2023. In Rennes, a city in western France, a series of fake bomb warnings at the start of January led investigators to detain and question a family of four from Laval, located 45 miles away. However, the parents and one child were quickly excluded from the investigation and released. It was the youngest child, the 13-year-old, who eventually confessed to making numerous bomb threats against institutions throughout the country. As a result, he was taken into custody.

Local prosecutor Philippe Astruc revealed that the minor admitted to making the false threats “as a game,” with no political or religious motivation behind his actions.

The teenager had cleverly used a foreign VPN to conceal his IP address. However, thanks to technical police work and international cooperation, authorities were able to trace the originating computer and locate the family in Laval. Two other minors have also been identified as suspects in Rennes.

According to France’s Justice Ministry, they have opened 192 investigations into false bomb threats thus far. Approximately 30 of these cases have already resulted in charges, with most of them involving minors or young adults. It is worth noting that the majority of the threats made no reference to the situation in the Middle East or any other international events.

Back in late 2023, during Israel’s offensive against Hamas following a terror attack, France experienced a surge of bomb threats targeting airports, museums, and schools. The resulting evacuations disrupted numerous flights and forced the closure of famous landmarks such as the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles. Schools were also impacted, as classes were canceled and thorough searches were conducted.

At the time, French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti acknowledged that many of these hoaxes were perpetrated by children who failed to comprehend the seriousness of their actions. Nevertheless, each threat was treated seriously, and the minister vowed to apprehend those responsible, stating, “We will find these smart alecks.” Dupond-Moretti further warned that parents of minors found guilty of making false bomb threats would be held liable for any damages suffered by the targeted institutions.

In conclusion, the arrest of the 13-year-old boy in connection with the 380 false bomb threats provides some relief to the French authorities. However, it also serves as a reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and the importance of addressing behavioral issues among young individuals to prevent similar incidents in the future..