Russian National Detained for Plotting Against Paris Olympics

Photo: AP 

Russian Arrested Over Alleged Plot to Disrupt Paris Olympics

A 40-year-old Russian man was arrested in France on suspicion of plotting to destabilize the upcoming Paris Olympics, French prosecutors announced. The arrest occurred on Sunday, and the man is under investigation for allegedly passing intelligence to a foreign power with the intent of causing unrest in France.

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The alleged plot is not considered a terrorist attack but is believed to involve "pro-Russian operations" aimed at disrupting the Games. French authorities have emphasized that this is a case of counter-espionage rather than counter-terrorism. Following his arrest, the man was indicted and placed in pre-trial detention. The charges he faces could result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin stated that over one million people—including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, and local residents—have been screened in preparation for the Olympics. Out of 4,360 people denied access, 880 were barred due to concerns about foreign interference.

In recent months, several incidents have raised suspicions of external attempts to exploit and create divisions within France, particularly regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Notably, five coffins draped in a French flag and labeled "French soldiers of Ukraine" were placed near the Eiffel Tower in June. The incident, believed to be orchestrated by Russian operatives, led to the arrest of three men from Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Germany.

In another case, red handprints were found on Paris's Holocaust memorial, and graffiti stencils of the Star of David appeared around the city following the Hamas attack on October 7 and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. A Moldovan couple arrested in connection with the graffiti are also suspected of being paid by Russian intelligence.

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