OFMIN said 55 suspects were arrested in 42 French departments for sharing child pornography involving victims under age 10
In a sweeping crackdown against online child exploitation, French authorities have arrested 55 men across the country this week as part of an operation to dismantle a suspected pedophile network operating via the encrypted messaging app Telegram.
The arrests were announced on Thursday by OFMIN, France’s national office dedicated to preventing violence against minors.
According to OFMIN, the suspects were apprehended in 42 different departments across France, following a months-long investigation that targeted individuals allegedly involved in the possession, dissemination, and habitual viewing of child pornography involving victims “under the age of 10.”
The coordinated effort underscores the growing concern among law enforcement agencies over the use of encrypted platforms to circulate illegal and abusive content. Telegram, a widely-used app known for its privacy features, has become a popular tool for criminal networks seeking to evade detection.
“This operation sends a strong message: there is no impunity for those who exploit and abuse children, even if they try to hide behind encrypted communications,” said a spokesperson for OFMIN, speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP). “The scale of the arrests reflects the seriousness and urgency of the threat.”
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the suspects, but sources close to the investigation confirmed that the arrested individuals range in age from their 20s to late 60s and come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Some are reported to have held positions of trust, including in education and youth-related activities.
Investigators uncovered evidence of a “structured network” in which members shared graphic material involving very young children. In several cases, the content involved children believed to be under 5 years old.
The suspects are now facing charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography, and some may face additional charges depending on the outcome of ongoing forensic analyses.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin praised the efforts of law enforcement, calling the operation “a major blow” against child exploitation networks. “The protection of our children is an absolute priority. We will continue to relentlessly track down those who commit or facilitate these heinous acts,” he said in a statement.
Child protection advocates welcomed the arrests but warned that online platforms continue to offer safe havens for predators. “This is an important step, but we need systemic changes in how tech companies monitor their platforms,” said Isabelle Auriol, a spokesperson for Innocence En Danger, a French nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from abuse. “Encryption must not come at the expense of child safety.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with digital evidence from seized devices undergoing examination. OFMIN said it expects additional arrests as authorities follow digital trails connected to international contacts and potentially broader networks.
France’s crackdown comes amid rising pressure across Europe for tougher regulations on encrypted communications and greater accountability from tech companies in combating child sexual abuse materials online.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
PSG face Stade de Reims and Inter Milan finals, aiming to cement their status as Europe’s most complete team
Paris, France – Paris Saint-Germain’s first season without Kylian Mbappé has defied expectations, with the French champions not only retaining their Ligue 1 crown but also positioning themselves for an unprecedented treble.
As the club prepares for finals in both the Coupe de France and UEFA Champions League, one former star believes the key to their success lies in a dramatic shift from individual brilliance to collective cohesion.
Former PSG captain Thiago Silva has offered insight into the team’s transformation following Mbappé’s high-profile departure to Real Madrid last summer.
In an interview with Carré magazine, the Brazilian defender credited the capital club’s evolution to a stronger team dynamic and a more balanced approach on the pitch. “PSG? When you look at the team, you don’t see just one player making the difference,” Silva said, as quoted by Le10Sport.
“Of course, there’s [Ousmane] Dembélé, but I mean that behind him, the team is really solid! A great goalkeeper, fullbacks who charge forward like crazy, wingers… It’s not just one or two players, it’s a real team. And that makes me happy, because building a real team isn’t easy. They’re on the right path.”
Mbappé, PSG’s all-time leading goal scorer, was often seen as the face of the club in recent years. His departure raised questions about how the Parisians would fill the void left by the World Cup winner.
However, under the guidance of head coach Luis Enrique, PSG have shifted away from a star-centric system toward a more fluid and collective model of play.
That approach has paid off. The team secured their 13th Ligue 1 title with several matches to spare, showcasing depth across all areas—from the stability of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to the attacking flair of Dembélé and new signing Bradley Barcola.
In midfield, the rise of talents like Warren Zaïre-Emery and the consistency of Vitinha have added to the side’s strength in balance and versatility.
Silva, who played for PSG from 2012 to 2020 and captained the side to multiple domestic trophies, emphasized that building a “real team” is often more difficult than assembling world-class individuals.
“Everyone looks at big names, but football is won with balance and unity,” he added. “PSG have found that this season.”
With the Coupe de France final against Stade de Reims and a Champions League showdown against Inter Milan on the horizon, PSG have a chance to cement their status as Europe’s most complete team this season. Should they complete the treble, it would not only be a historic achievement but also a validation of the club’s shift in philosophy.
Whether or not they lift all three trophies, this season may well be remembered as the turning point when Paris Saint-Germain evolved from a team of stars into a star team.
In the coastal town of Le Lavandou in the Var department, the couple was killed when their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. Authorities reported that the woman’s body remained trapped in the wreckage of the submerged car, while an investigation into the cause of death has been launched
At least three people, including an elderly couple in their eighties, have died after violent thunderstorms and torrential rains struck southeastern France on Tuesday, unleashing flash floods and leaving behind widespread devastation that officials likened to war zones.
In the coastal town of Le Lavandou in the Var department, the couple was killed when their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.
Authorities reported that the woman’s body remained trapped in the wreckage of the submerged car, while an investigation into the cause of death has been launched.
“The situation was quite difficult on the ground,” said Toulon public prosecutor Samuel Finielz, confirming that an inquiry is underway. Le Lavandou Mayor Gil Bernardi painted a grim picture of the aftermath, describing “scenes of war” with “roads torn up” and “bridges torn down.”
In an interview with BFM television, he called the storm “a really violent, vicious, incomprehensible phenomenon,” adding, “There is nothing left—no electricity, no drinking water, no sewage treatment plant.”
In a separate incident in the town of Vidauban, another person died when a vehicle was engulfed by rising waters.
The mayor of Vidauban, Claude Pianetti, said the driver and her passenger had mistakenly driven onto a flooded country road, causing the car to plunge into a ditch. A local official managed to rescue the driver, but the passenger could not be saved.
While the southeast reeled from the floods, southwestern France was also hit hard by similar weather on Monday night. Torrential rain and hail caused severe disruption, flooding homes and damaging railway lines.
One high-speed TGV train carrying over 500 passengers from Toulouse to Paris was halted near the town of Tonneins after the ground beneath the tracks subsided due to the rains.
According to local officials, the tracks were dangerously exposed, and the train was left suspended overnight. “We narrowly avoided a disaster,” Tonneins Mayor Dante Rinaudo told AFP, calling the deluge an “avalanche of water” that overwhelmed the town’s infrastructure.
Cellars and houses were submerged, and he called on the government to officially recognize the storm’s impact as a natural disaster.
A major rescue operation was launched involving dozens of emergency personnel, including firefighters, police, and local volunteers, to evacuate the stranded passengers by bus.
Another train traveling from Toulouse to Paris was also forced to stop in Agen, with passengers later transported to Toulouse by bus on Tuesday morning.
France’s national rail operator SNCF said that service between Agen and Marmande will be suspended for at least several days, affecting TGV traffic between Bordeaux and Toulouse.
As emergency services continue cleanup and recovery efforts across the storm-hit regions, officials are warning residents to remain vigilant, with the risk of further severe weather lingering in parts of southern France.
The government is expected to assess damages in the coming days and may issue a natural disaster declaration to expedite support and compensation.
The curator of Père-Lachaise cemetery told Le Figaro that police had not yet contacted them about the statue’s future. “I don’t know whether the bust will be returned to us,” the curator said
Paris, France – A long-lost marble bust of iconic American rock star Jim Morrison has resurfaced in Paris, 37 years after it was mysteriously stolen from his grave in the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery.
French police confirmed on Friday that the statue was recovered during an unrelated financial crime investigation. The bust, sculpted by Croatian artist Mladen Mikulin in 1981 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Morrison’s death, vanished in 1988 and had remained missing ever since.
Its disappearance left fans of The Doors and Morrison mystified for decades, with the grave often marked only by flowers and graffiti left by devoted visitors.
According to a post made by the French police’s financial and anti-corruption division on Instagram, the bust was found by chance while officers were investigating a fraud case.
Though they released a photograph of the statue, which shows it still missing its mouth and nose as it was prior to the theft, authorities have not disclosed any further details about how or where it was discovered.
No suspects have been named, and the investigation into the original theft remains unresolved. The unexpected discovery has reignited interest in Morrison’s final resting place.
The lead singer of The Doors, known for hits like Light My Fire and Riders on the Storm, died in 1971 at the age of 27.
He was found dead in the bathtub of his Paris apartment by his girlfriend Pamela Courson. An autopsy was never performed, but the official cause of death was recorded as heart failure, likely aggravated by alcohol use.
Morrison, a native of Florida and the son of a U.S. Navy admiral, was living in the Marais district of Paris at the time of his death.
His grave, located in the so-called “poet’s corner” of Père-Lachaise alongside those of Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde, quickly became a pilgrimage site for fans around the world. The bust, once a focal point of the site, had been defaced before it was stolen, but its symbolic importance endured.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, a representative for Morrison’s estate said the family was “happy to hear the news” that the statue had been found. “This piece of history belongs with Jim, and it’s gratifying to see that it’s been recovered,” they added.
Despite the recovery, it remains uncertain whether the bust will be returned to the gravesite. The curator of Père-Lachaise cemetery told Le Figaro that police had not yet contacted them about the statue’s future. “I don’t know whether the bust will be returned to us,” the curator said.
The statue’s rediscovery also recalls past tensions surrounding the grave. In 1991, on the 20th anniversary of Morrison’s death, fans rioted at the site, leading to police intervention.
Though the mystery of its theft lingers, the statue’s reappearance marks a symbolic reunion with Morrison’s enduring legacy in Paris — a city that has long embraced his mystique and mourned his early death.
As the scandal unfolds, public trust in both regulatory bodies and major food companies is being put to the test
The French Senate has accused the government of President Emmanuel Macron of covering up illegal practices by Swiss food giant Nestlé, including the use of banned treatments on some of the country’s most popular mineral water brands such as Perrier, Vittel, Contrex, and Hépar.
In a damning report released this week, a Senate inquiry commission concluded that Nestlé engaged in the unauthorized treatment of spring and mineral water for years to prevent bacterial and chemical contamination—practices explicitly prohibited under both French and European Union regulations.
The report also charges the French government with deliberate concealment of these practices since at least 2021.“In addition to Nestlé Waters’ lack of transparency, the French government’s lack of transparency must also be highlighted,” the report stated.
It accused authorities of agreeing to a backdoor plan by Nestlé to switch to microfiltration after a closed-door government meeting in October 2021, rather than taking immediate legal action.
The inquiry, which interviewed more than 120 individuals including Nestlé’s CEO and senior executives, found that the presidency had known about the violations as early as 2022. Yet, President Macron publicly denied any involvement earlier this year, stating in February, “I was not aware of these things. There is no collusion with anyone.”
Nestlé, which has not yet responded to the report’s latest allegations, had previously acknowledged the use of prohibited treatments and last year agreed to pay a €2 million fine to avoid legal proceedings.
The Senate commission’s rapporteur, Alexandre Ouizille, revealed that France’s fraud control agency estimates the total fraud to be worth more than €3 billion—mainly from selling “natural” mineral water at prices hundreds of times higher than tap water.
Ouizille also described how investigators visiting one of Nestlé’s plants in southern France discovered sliding cabinets that concealed areas where the illegal treatments were carried out.
The report cited Nestlé’s defense that without such treatments, contamination from harmful bacteria such as E. coli would force several bottling facilities to close, risking significant job losses.
While there have been no confirmed health consequences linked to the consumption of the treated water, the Senate commission emphasized the deception of millions of consumers who trusted the purity of bottled mineral water. “Consumers were misled—plain and simple,” said Ouizille.
Laurent Burgoa, the commission’s president, acknowledged the absence of proven health harm but emphasized that the issue revolves around transparency, legality, and consumer rights. “Whether or not people were harmed, the fact remains that the rules were broken and the truth was hidden,” he said.
As the scandal unfolds, public trust in both regulatory bodies and major food companies is being put to the test.
The government and Nestlé may face further scrutiny in the coming weeks, with legal experts warning that the case could lead to wider investigations into industry oversight and environmental regulation compliance.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
The disruption, which hit the French capital’s second-largest airport, resulted in the cancellation of approximately 130 flights in and out of Orly. Some passengers had already boarded aircraft and were preparing for take-off when the incident occurred
Thousands of passengers were left stranded at Paris Orly Airport on Sunday after a major radar failure brought flight operations to a standstill, causing widespread delays and cancellations that are expected to continue into Monday.
The disruption, which hit the French capital’s second-largest airport, resulted in the cancellation of approximately 130 flights in and out of Orly. Some passengers had already boarded aircraft and were preparing for take-off when the incident occurred.
The French civil aviation authority (DGAC) confirmed on Sunday that a technical malfunction in the air traffic control system was to blame. Though officials did not provide specifics, an airport source attributed the disruption to a “radar failure.”
The breakdown has significantly affected domestic and short-haul international flights, particularly those bound for destinations across Europe and North Africa.
As of late Sunday, the issue had not been fully resolved. DGAC announced that it was asking airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 15 percent on Monday and warned that passengers should prepare for further delays. “The situation is improving but still requires traffic regulation,” the authority said in a statement.
Scenes of chaos unfolded at Orly’s terminals as travelers scrambled to make alternate arrangements. Long queues formed at airline counters, and many passengers described the ordeal as confusing and exhausting.
Azgal Abichou, a 63-year-old business owner, recounted how he had been seated and strapped in on his flight when the announcement came to disembark. “We were in the aircraft, all seated and strapped in, ready to go, when they made us disembark and collect our bags … then began the ordeal,” he said.
Others were faced with limited and expensive alternatives. “The only option is a 300-euro flight — and there’s only one seat left, but there are two of us and we are not even sure it will take off,” said Romane Penault, a 22-year-old student. “So for now, we’re going home.”
For many, the disruption meant missing critical engagements. Agnes Zilouri, 46, tried desperately to rebook a flight for her 86-year-old mother and six-year-old son to attend a funeral in Morocco. “The flight is cancelled. Fortunately, I am with my mother,” she said, as she searched for alternative options to reach Oujda.
The sudden failure also raised concerns over the reliability of air traffic infrastructure. Orly Airport, which handled about 33 million passengers last year, serves as a crucial hub for both domestic and regional travel, acting as a secondary gateway to Paris after Charles de Gaulle Airport.
As airlines work to restore operations and manage the backlog, passengers are being advised to check with carriers before heading to the airport and to allow for extra time due to longer queues and revised schedules.
With the cause of the radar failure still under investigation, DGAC and airport authorities have assured the public that contingency plans are being enacted to minimize further disruptions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
The French football community, therefore, is unified in rallying behind PSG despite the widening gulf between the Paris club and the rest of Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) progression to the Champions League final should be a proud moment for French football. Yet, while the Ligue 1 giants chase European glory against Inter Milan on May 31, the broader landscape of football in France remains deeply troubled.
The Ligue 1 season wrapped up this weekend with PSG already securing their fourth consecutive domestic title and poised to win the French Cup next Saturday, but their dominance masks a growing crisis in French club football.
PSG’s achievements continue to shine a rare positive light on a nation that has tasted international success — France has won two World Cups and reached two more finals in the past seven tournaments.
Yet, on the club stage, French teams have a disappointing record in continental competitions. Since Marseille’s 1993 European Cup triumph, no French club has claimed Europe’s top prize, and PSG now aim to become only the second.
This lack of success means France’s tally of European Cups remains on par with countries like Scotland and Romania, and even trails behind clubs from smaller footballing nations, such as Nottingham Forest from England.
The French football community, therefore, is unified in rallying behind PSG despite the widening gulf between the Paris club and the rest of Ligue 1.
“We are lucky to have a French team in the final,” said Nice coach Franck Haise. “I am not a Paris supporter. My club is Nice, but I am eager to see Paris win the final. I am French, as I was when Marseille won in 1993.”
Beyond PSG, the situation is bleak. Lyon, a club with seven French titles to their name, faces severe financial difficulties. Owned by Eagle Football, a company controlled by American businessman John Textor, Lyon recently reported debts exceeding 540 million euros ($603 million).
Their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League has compounded concerns about the club’s future viability. Lyon has even been warned they risk demotion to Ligue 2 unless drastic financial measures are taken.
UEFA has also indicated the club may face sanctions that could prevent participation in European competitions if they fail to resolve their debt issues. In contrast, Marseille and Monaco are assured of Champions League football next season, underscoring the stark divide within French football.
Financial instability extends beyond individual clubs. Ligue 1’s domestic television rights deal remains a significant headache. A last-minute contract with streaming platform DAZN pays clubs around 400 million euros per year, far below the league’s target of one billion euros annually.
This falls short by a wide margin when compared to the Premier League’s domestic rights deal, which will generate approximately 2.02 billion euros per season from 2025 onwards.
Due to dissatisfaction with DAZN, Ligue 1 is now expected to terminate the deal early and instead launch its own broadcasting channel — but in the meantime, the financial future of most French clubs is uncertain.
This revenue instability threatens to widen the already massive gap between PSG, heavily backed by Qatar Sports Investments, and their domestic rivals.
“PSG have invested a lot of money and are years ahead of us in so many respects,” admitted Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi. “But our ambition is still to be able to compete with them.”
As PSG prepares for the upcoming Club World Cup in the USA — where the winning team could pocket up to $125 million — Ligue 1’s other clubs can only hope that the intense schedule leaves the Parisians fatigued enough to level the playing field in the seasons ahead. Until then, French football’s domestic crisis is unlikely to ease, despite PSG’s continental ambitions.
The fourth season was a global hit, topping the Netflix Global Top 10 with 19.9 million views in its first four days and charting in 93 countries
ROME — Lily Collins is back in front of the camera as Emily Cooper, but this time, the fashionable expat is trading Parisian rooftops for Roman ruins. Netflix has officially begun production on Emily in Paris Season 5, with Collins sharing a behind-the-scenes selfie on Instagram to mark the occasion.
The latest chapter of the popular romantic comedy series, created by Darren Star, begins with a significant shift in scenery. After four seasons of navigating love and career in Paris, Emily will now split her time between the City of Light and the Eternal City. The first scenes for Season 5 are currently being filmed in Rome, before production returns to Paris later this summer.
“The cast and crew of Emily in Paris are thrilled to begin filming Season 5 in the Eternal City,” said Star in a statement. “From Parisian rooftops to Roman ruins, we can’t wait to share where Emily’s next chapter takes us.”
Returning cast members include Collins (Emily), Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (Sylvie), Ashley Park (Mindy), Lucas Bravo (Gabriel), Samuel Arnold (Julien), Bruno Gouery (Luc), William Abadie (Antoine), Lucien Laviscount (Alfie), and Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello, Emily’s new Italian love interest.
Joining the ensemble this season is Academy Award-nominated actor Minnie Driver, who will play Princess Jane — an aristocratic friend of Sylvie’s who married into royalty. Her role is expected to add a fresh layer of glamour and intrigue to the evolving storyline.
Season 4 concluded with Emily embarking on a new romance with Marcello, a suave Italian fashion scion, and relocating to Rome to open a branch of Agence Grateau, the Parisian marketing firm run by her boss, Sylvie. Despite the change in location, Star assured fans that the heart of the series remains intact.
“Emily’s going to have a presence in Rome,” he said. “It doesn’t mean she’s not going to be in Paris, but she’s going to have a presence in Rome.”
According to Collins, the move marks a new phase for her character. “Marcello is a whole other adventure that we want for Emily because we ultimately want Emily to be able to have a better work/life balance,” she told Netflix’s Tudum. “We want to see her beyond her vacay mode. And he comes at that perfect time.”
The fourth season was a global hit, topping the Netflix Global Top 10 with 19.9 million views in its first four days and charting in 93 countries. It remained in the Top 10 for four consecutive weeks, cementing its popularity among viewers worldwide.
The upcoming season is slated for a late 2025 release, and while plot details remain under wraps, fans can expect more romance, career dilemmas, and scenic European escapades. With a fresh setting and new faces, Emily in Paris Season 5 promises to be another stylish adventure — with a Roman twist.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
Paris-based Reborn Studio aims to produce high-quality films with A-list filmmakers for luxury brands. It will manage strategy and international sales across a diverse range of formats, including shorts, feature films, and immersive content tailored for various platforms
Paris — In a bold new move shaking up the intersection of cinema and luxury branding, Laure Parleani, co-founder of France’s Totem Films, and Omar el Kadi, co-founder of Easy Riders Films, have joined forces to launch Reborn Studio.
The Paris-based production outfit aims to produce high-quality film content featuring A-list filmmakers tailored specifically for luxury brands.
The newly minted Reborn Studio will take charge of strategy and international sales for an eclectic range of films, spanning shorts, feature-length productions, and immersive content.
Designed with flexible formats, the studio intends for its work to be suitable across a variety of platforms — from prestigious film festivals to fast-paced social media channels.
Parleani highlighted a growing challenge within the industry: “We met with so many producers who have told us that financing the development of auteur-driven projects is increasingly complicated.”
She elaborated that Reborn Studio’s approach, fostering close collaborations between filmmakers and luxury houses, creates a “win-win for everyone in the film industry.”
This partnership model aims to support filmmakers with strong artistic visions while simultaneously offering luxury brands innovative and engaging content.
The origins of Reborn Studio trace back to Parleani and el Kadi’s acquisition of production house Reborn from entrepreneur Marc Simoncini. They have also aligned with Antoine Dray’s creative and production event agency ADR, which specializes in luxury sectors.
The involvement of ADR’s luxury executive director Rabih Saade will be pivotal in shaping the venture’s strategic direction and creative vision, ensuring the studio’s productions meet the exacting standards of luxury clientele.
The Reborn Studio team further includes industry professionals Colin Forcioli and Anne-Laure Davezac, rounding out a group poised to blend creative storytelling with commercial viability in the luxury film market.
Omar el Kadi, who co-founded Easy Riders Films alongside Nadia Turincev in 2019, brings a strong portfolio to the project. Notably, he is behind critically acclaimed films such as Levan Akin’s Crossing and Vladimir Perisic’s Lost Country, both recognized for their auteur-driven storytelling.
Meanwhile, Parleani, who co-founded Totem Films in 2018 with Bérénice Vincent and Agathe Valentin, is known for championing projects that push creative boundaries.
Reborn Studio’s mission underscores a broader industry trend where traditional film financing routes are narrowing, prompting producers and filmmakers to explore alternative funding models.
By partnering directly with luxury brands eager to produce visually compelling, narrative-rich content, the studio hopes to revitalize auteur cinema’s development pipeline while offering brands fresh ways to connect with audiences.
This initiative also reflects the evolving role of content in luxury marketing, where storytelling and cinematic quality are increasingly valued for their ability to create immersive brand experiences.
Reborn Studio aims to fill that niche by delivering films that function not just as advertising, but as artistic statements capable of standing on their own merits within the global film community.
With its unique blend of creative expertise, strategic partnerships, and a focus on auteur-driven cinema tailored for luxury audiences, Reborn Studio is poised to become a key player in the emerging field of branded cinematic content.
As the venture takes shape, industry watchers will be keen to see how it influences both the film and luxury brand landscapes in the coming years.
