Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Four individuals have been charged in Paris with suspected Russia-linked espionage and interference, in a case connecting economic intelligence collection to pro-Russia posters displayed on the Arc de Triomphe. Prosecutors stated that three suspects are in custody, and a fourth is under strict judicial supervision.
As reported by RFI, the arrests occur amid growing fears and suspicions of espionage for Russia, along with promoting its war propaganda and interference across Europe, as Western capitals accuse Moscow’s spy services.
How were the espionage suspects linked to pro-Russian posters?
According to the Paris prosecutors’ office, one of those detained— a 40-year-old Russian man—was caught on video surveillance in September installing pro-Russian posters on the Arc de Triomphe.
The man then telephoned the head of the SOS Donbass association, a woman also aged 40, who was suspected by French counter-espionage officials of attempting to extract economic information from French company executives.
What role did SOS Donbass allegedly play in espionage?
The inquiry focuses on SOS Donbass, officially known as Sud-Ouest Solidarité Donbass, which claims to be a humanitarian organisation. Prosecutors allege that the group may be acting as a front for clandestine operations. Domestic intelligence agencies identified measures they believe could threaten France’s core interests.
A third suspect, a 63-year-old man from Seine-Saint-Denis, was also charged and detained. Prosecutors allege he participated in criminal activity, collected information on national interests for a foreign country, and engaged in intelligence work with a foreign power.
The fourth man, a 58-year-old born in Paris, has been charged with providing intelligence to a foreign power and participating in a criminal organization aimed at preparing offenses punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
He has not been detained but is required to report to the police every week, surrender his identity documents, and avoid any association with work related to French or Russian international policy or aid connected to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What earlier cases revealed Russian covert activity in France?
Similarly, a Russian man was detained by French authorities in 2024 on suspicion of plotting to sabotage the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The arrest was a component of a larger French police operation to thwart Russian espionage and disinformation efforts meant to sabotage the event. This case brought to light worries about Russian clandestine activities in France that targeted both significant international events and national security.
