Manchester Arena suicide bomber used student loans to make his bomb

According to a report by the Telegraph, 22-year-old Salman Abedi received Student Loans and benefits of over $18,000, despite the fact he dropped out of college. Instead of studying at college, he allegedly used the money to head to Libya, where he learned how to make the nail-filled explosive device he used in the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Salman Abedi received student loans but dropped out of university

Salman reportedly received around $9,000 when he enrolled in a business administration course at Salford University in Manchester in 2015.

Over the next year he continued to receive funds, despite the fact he had stopped attending classes. Police sources told the Telegraph that the Suicide Bomber’s financial situation has become a major element in their investigations into the attack that left 22 people dead and 119 injured after the Ariana Grande concert.

Police reports show that while he was unemployed, the British-born attacker had traveled between England and Libya on several occasions and had rented a series of apartments in Manchester. He also used the funds to buy the ingredients for his deadly bomb.

Abedi wired money to his brother in Libya

The New York Daily Post reports that a few days prior to the attack, Abedi had wired around $3,000 to his brother in Libya, who has since been arrested after he admitted he knew of his brother’s plans.

Officials say the younger brother was planning his own terror attack in Tripoli, the capital of Libya.

The Telegraph contacted a spokesman for the student loans organization, who told them it would not appropriate for them to comment on what is an ongoing police investigation.

The spokesman did say that it is up to universities to advise them when a student drops out. On contacting the Salford University, a spokesman reportedly refused to comment.

Investigations continue as Manchester police arrest terror network

In the meantime, Manchester police say they have arrested several people they believe to be part of the same terror network Abedi was involved in.

On raiding Abedi’s home, police uncovered a stash of explosive chemicals and other bomb components. A source told the Telegraph that police are concerned that the terrorist may have made more than one bomb.

According to a statement by Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, their officers are continuing to make “significant progress” during their investigations into the deadly bombing. Rowley said they have detained eight men, aged between 18 and 38 years, and expect to arrest more in future. The New York Post reports that two of Abedi’s cousins, who had a barbershop in the city, were believed to be among the arrested.