An uncle of Queens terror suspect Najibullah Zazi has been arrested by federal authorities, according to government records and people familiar with the case.
Naqib Jaji was charged in a sealed criminal case in Brooklyn federal court. Spokesman for the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office are not commenting on the nature of the arrest.
The Bureau of Prison's website said Jaji is 38 and was arrested and later released on January 22, 2010. The New York Times first reported this latest development in the ongoing Zazi terror investigation.
Zazi, a Denver airport shuttle driver who grew up in Flushing, is charged with plotting to set off homemade bombs on New York City subways. NBC New York first reported two other Queens men Adis Medunjanin and Zarein Ahmedzay were arrested in connection with the case.
Medunjanin is charged with traveling overseas to train with al Qaeda and commit terror attacks overseas. Investigators say suspect Ahmedzay lied about his travels to Pakistan. Zazi's father and a Queens Imam have also been charged with lying to the FBI in connection with the Zazi case.
As for Jaji, sealed cases can be an indication a suspect is cooperating with authorities. Jaji's lawyer, Donald DuBoulay, declined to comment about his client or even confirm he had been arrested.
Law enforcement officials have said they continue to track other possible leads in this case in Queens and in Denver.
