Authorities in the southern French city of Montpellier this week arrested a young woman in possession of a fake pregnant stomach accessory, in fear that it could be used to conceal explosives in a suicide attack, French media reported Wednesday.
The plastic prosthesis, ordered via the Internet by the suspect, could be attached to the torso to give the illusion of pregnancy.
The accessory was found hollowed out and covered in aluminum foil, and security forces were investigating whether the suspect intended to conceal a bomb under the appendage.
On Monday, anti-terrorism forces arrested the suspect, identified by French media only by first name as Camille, after searches of her home.
According to the reports, the 23-year-old suspect had converted to Islam and became “radicalized.”
The suspect reportedly told investigators that the device was intended to be used for shoplifting.
Authorities placed in custody both the young woman and her husband.
Reuters on Tuesday cited French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve as saying 10 attacks had been prevented this year in France, which suffered its worst atrocity for decades last month when Islamist militants killed 130 people in Paris.
