Two held in raids connected to Shahzad

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A top Massachusetts law enforcement official says two men who have been taken into custody in connection with the failed Times Square car bomb are considered to have had a “direct connection” to the suspect, Faisal Shahzad.

The official said the men are believed to have provided money to Shahzad, but investigators are not sure whether they were witting accomplices or simply moving funds as is common between Middle Eastern and Central Asian nationals who live in the U.S. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

The official said “these people might be completely innocent and now know what they were providing money for, but it’s clear there’s a connection.”

Investigators said Shahzad has been cooperating since his arrest last week.

-- Associated Press