Suspect admits to being "man in hat" in Brussels airport attack: Belgian prosecutor

Passengers walk to receive security check at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels, Belgium, April 3, 2016. (Xinhua File Photo)

BRUSSELS, April 9 -- Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini who was arrested Friday in Brussels has confessed to investigators that he is "the man in the hat" caught in the Brussels airport security cameras on March 22, Belgian federal prosecutor said Saturday.

"He was confronted with the results of various expert assessments and admitted his presence," said the federal prosecutor in a statement. "The person told investigators that he had thrown his jacket in a trash can and then sold his hat."

Abrini was placed under arrest and charged with participation in a terrorist group and terrorist murders, the federal prosecutor said.

Abrini, wanted for suspected involvement in the November terrorist attacks in Paris, was arrested Friday along with five others in Brussels, by Belgian police.

Among the arrested is Osama Krayem, who as Brussels bombings probe has revealed is the second man who was present during the Maelbeek Metro Station attack.

Krayem was also present in the City 2 shop center of Brussels when buying bags that were used in the attacks, reported the Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

He was also placed under arrest and charged with participation in a terrorist group and terrorist murders.

Another two suspects, Herve B. M. and Bilal E. M., were charged with participation in a terrorist group and terrorist murders complicity.

Two more people, who were arrested along with Abrini were released after thorough hearing.