Australian terrorist 'linked to Charlie Hebdo attacks'
One of Australia’s most notorious terrorists, Willie Brigitte, was in contact with the masterminds behind the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris, it has been reported.
The information has surfaced in the wake of French intelligence services sharing files with Australian spies according to News Corp.
Reportedly, Australian and French intelligence officials have been in formal meetings after it was uncovered that Willie Brigitte was in direct contact with the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks at the satirical magazine in the months leading up to the massacre.
It is understood that Brigitte first came in contact with the masterminds while spending time inside the Fleury-Merogis prison, where he is currently incarcerated.
News Corp reports brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly, who were responsible for the Paris shooting massacre that left 17 people dead in January, spent time with Brigitte.
French intelligence discovered the connection between the men after listening through phone conversations and social media records.
It remains unclear to authorities what role Brigitte may have played in the horrific attacks.
In 2003, Brigitte and his wife were arrested for allegedly being part of a terrorist group plotting attacks.
He was deported to France and was convicted of associating with criminals in a terrorist enterprise.
A demain dans #CharlieHebdo pic.twitter.com/LWB5bL2ADD
— Mathieu Madénian (@mathieumadenian) November 17, 2015
He was later released however was arrested again in 2012.
A senior Australian intelligence source told News Corp that Australia was being targeted by terrorists.
"There have been attempts, fortunately our intelligence agencies and police have managed to intervene and deal with but there is no doubt there is an ongoing threat in Australia," the source said.
"That’s why we are developing relationships with France and look at how real a threat exists in both our countries."
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