German prosecutors on Wednesday have filed terrorism charges against a Russian national accused of plotting an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Berlin and attempting to join the so-called Islamic State group in Pakistan.

The suspect, identified only as Akhmad E under German privacy laws, was arrested on 20 February at Berlin’s airport as he prepared to board a flight. Federal prosecutors said Wednesday that he has been charged with supporting a foreign terrorist organisation, attempted membership of such a group, and preparing a serious act of violence.

Investigators believe the man initially considered carrying out an attack in Germany, “possibly on the Israeli embassy.” He allegedly downloaded online instructions for making explosives but failed to move forward with the plan because he could not obtain the necessary materials.

Prosecutors said he was also translating jihadist propaganda into Russian and Chechen for the extremist group, and had pledged loyalty in a video sent to a suspected IS member outside Germany.

They allege he planned to travel to Pakistan to undergo military training with the group, funding the trip by taking out contracts for expensive smartphones which he later resold.

The indictment, filed earlier this month, has been sent to a court in Berlin, which will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.