Two days before the Paris attacks Abrini was seen together with Salah Abdeslam, as he drove his friend to the French capital. They were photographed at a filling station in Ressons along the motorway bound for Paris. The two suspects were using a Renault Clio that was employed during the attacks and later recovered in the city.

European and international arrests warrant were issued against Mohamed Abrini, and a manhunt was started. He was described as "armed and dangerous". Abrini was arrested together with at least another person, whose identity is not clear.