FBI seeks information on suspects in Burgas bombing

US agency probing creation and procurement of US driver’s licenses and Social Security card used by suspected bombers.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Burgas bombing suspects 370 (photo credit: Bulgaria Interior Ministry)
Burgas bombing suspects 370
(photo credit: Bulgaria Interior Ministry)
The FBI released a statement to the public on Thursday seeking information on the two suspected Hezbollah operatives wanted for questioning in the Burgas bus bombing, which killed five Israelis and a Bulgarian bus driver in July 2012.
The FBI was assisting Bulgaria’s Interior Ministry in its investigation of the bombing, the statement said.
Bulgaria has said that Hezbollah was behind the attack, a finding that helped lead the European Union to blacklist the military wing of the Lebanese Shi’ite organization last month.
The FBI said on Thursday that it was seeking information on Hassan El Hajj Hassan and Meliad Farah, who are wanted for questioning in connection with the terrorist attack.
“A Michigan driver’s license bearing the name Jacque Felipe Martin was found at the scene of the bombing and is thought to be associated with the bomber who carried out this attack. In the days following the bombing, another Michigan driver’s license and United States Social Security card, both bearing the name Ralph William Rico, were located. A subsequent investigation determined that this driver’s license and Social Security card were used by Hajj Hassan. Farah reportedly used a Michigan driver’s license bearing the name Brian Jeremiah Jameson; however, a driver’s license bearing that name was not located,” the FBI said.
“Between June 28, 2012, and July 18, 2012, Hajj Hassan and Farah were reportedly in the regions of Ruse, Varna, Nesebar, the ‘Sunny Beach’ resort area and the village of Ravda, all of which are near Burgas, Bulgaria. It is believed both Hajj Hassan and Farah checked into hotels using their false identification.
Farah also may have used the identification bearing the name Brian Jameson to rent a car in Varna, Bulgaria, in July 2012,” the statement continued.
The FBI said that it was investigating the creation and procurement of the fraudulent driver’s licenses and Social Security card.
“Individuals with information concerning either of these suspects are asked to contact the FBI or the nearest American embassy or consulate,” the statement said.
“Hassan El Hajj Hassan has dual Lebanese and Canadian citizenship. Hajj Hassan is of Middle Eastern descent and speaks Arabic and English.
Meliad Farah has used an alias of Hussein Hussein and has dual Lebanese and Australian citizenship. Farah is of Middle Eastern descent and speaks Arabic and English,” the FBI said in its description of the suspects.