Paris, July 24, 2024 — A 40-year-old Russian man has been detained in France on suspicion of plotting acts of “destabilisation” in connection with the upcoming Paris Olympics, prosecutors announced today.
The arrest, which took place on Sunday, comes just days before the opening ceremony of the games, set to commence this Friday in central Paris.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was apprehended following a search of his Paris apartment executed at the request of the French Interior Ministry.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the possible transmission of “intelligence to a foreign power with the intent to incite hostilities in France.” However, initial reports indicate that the alleged plot is not believed to involve plans for a terror attack.
The investigation is being handled by specialists in counter-espionage rather than counter-terrorism, suggesting that the threat may be more related to espionage activities than to direct violence.
Prosecutors have confirmed that the man has been indicted and placed in pre-trial detention, with the potential for a prison sentence of up to 30 years if convicted.
French officials revealed that evidence discovered during the search points to preparations for “pro-Russian operations” aimed at destabilizing France during the Olympic games.
A source close to the investigation described the alleged plot as a “large-scale project” with potentially “serious” implications for national security.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has emphasized the extensive security measures in place ahead of the games.
Authorities have screened over one million individuals, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, and local residents near event locations. Of these, 4,360 people were denied access, with 880 barred due to suspicions of foreign interference.
Darmanin stressed that the aim of these screenings is to prevent the Olympics from being used as a platform for espionage, cyberattacks, or to undermine France’s reputation.
“We are here to ensure that sport is not used for espionage, cyberattacks, or to criticize and sometimes even lie about France and the French,” he stated.
Recent months have witnessed a series of incidents fueling concerns about external attempts to exploit and exacerbate divisions within France. In June, five coffins inscribed with “French soldiers of Ukraine” were found near the Eiffel Tower.
French authorities later arrested a Bulgarian, a Ukrainian, and a German in connection with the incident, suspecting Russian involvement.
Additionally, in May, red handprints were painted on the main Holocaust memorial in Paris, and shortly after the October 7 Hamas attack and the onset of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, around 250 graffiti stencils of the Israeli flag’s Star of David appeared on various Parisian walls.
French officials later arrested a Moldovan couple, who were reportedly paid by Russian intelligence for these acts.
As the Paris Olympics draw near, French authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to safeguard the event from potential threats and ensure its success amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
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