DGSI Confirms Salah Abdeslam Not Involved in New Terror Plot Amid Investigation

Salah Abdeslam, the only surviving member of the 2015 November 13 Paris attacks commando, is not implicated in any new terrorist attack plots, according to Céline Berthon, Director General of the DGSI. Abdeslam, serving a life sentence for his role in the attacks which claimed 130 lives and caused numerous injuries, was taken into police custody on November 4, 2025, as part of an investigation into the illicit possession of a USB device while incarcerated at Vendin-le-Vieil prison. However, his custody was swiftly lifted the same day, with authorities clarifying that no new attack plans have been linked to him.

Despite his radicalized status and adherence to a deadly ideology, Abdeslam's involvement in fresh threats has been ruled out. Alongside him, three other individuals, including his partner, remain in custody for their roles connected to the investigation. As the tenth anniversary of the November 13 attacks approaches, marking a solemn moment of remembrance, heightened security measures are in place, but no concrete threats have been identified for the commemorations.

Berthon emphasized Abdeslam’s continued significance as a figure due to his unique survival among the attack teams but reassured the public that the DGSI has not detected any imminent danger related to him or the anniversary date. The investigation centers on a USB drive whose illegal possession in prison prompted a security probe initiated in January 2025. This development underscores ongoing vigilance by French counterterrorism authorities ahead of a critical security anniversary.