French authorities were informed Thursday that Magnotta had bought a plane ticket for Paris, the source said.
A French police spokesman said they had been alerted to an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol on Thursday, but would not comment further.
Montreal police have not confirmed a report in a Montreal newspaper that Magnotta, 29, flew to Europe on Saturday under a fake name. The police source said he had spent time in France in 2010.
Since the killing and dismemberment of Lin in Snowdon – which was videotaped and posted online – Magnotta has become the target of a worldwide manhunt.
Montreal police Commander Ian Lafrenière told The Gazette that Magnotta has left Canada and is on another continent. He would not confirm media reports Magnotta is being sought in France or that he fled Canada late last week right after the slaying, which was reportedly on May 25, or that he hitchhiked and got a ride from a woman that day in St. Lazare en route to Ontario.
A Montreal police source said investigators believe Magnotta is in France. Lafrenière confirmed the slaying took place “last week.”
An Ottawa police source said Magnotta took a flight May 25 from Canada to Paris. Magnotta’s possible presence in France has raised concern in the French media, with France Soir warning “l’acteur porno” could be in that country.
Interpol, an information-sharing organization connecting police in 190 countries, added the Scarborough, Ont., native to its list of the world’s most wanted persons.