A Russian man suspected of aiming to cause “destabilisation” during the Olympic Games has been arrested in Paris, according to prosecutors.
The man, who was born in Russia in 1984, had evidence in his home indicating that he intended to create disruptions during the Olympics. The prosecutors are investigating his potential “ties with a foreign power aimed at fomenting hostilities in France.”
He faces a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
Details of the suspect’s plans have not been revealed, but since the case has not been transferred to the national anti-terrorism prosecutors, it is not considered a terrorist act.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin told Paris Match that over a million administrative inquiries have been carried out in preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics, and 4,360 people deemed threats to the events have been removed.
The minister’s staff also reported that 880 individuals had been banned from the Games on suspicion of foreign interference.
There has been growing concern over foreign interference linked to the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza. In June, three graves marked “French soldiers of Ukraine” were placed near the Eiffel Tower, leading to the arrest and subsequent release of three foreigners.
Red handprints were found on the Holocaust monument in Paris in May, while in October – after the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas – Star of David symbols were found on several buildings in the French capital.
Two Moldovans were arrested, and French authorities allege the Russian security service, the FSB, was involved.
