Four Charged in France for Espionage on Behalf of Russia

Nov 26, 2025
International

Photo: A Police Van Outside La Courneuve Police Station, Northern Suburb of Paris (Collected)

International Desk, PNN

French authorities have taken action against four individuals for espionage and wartime propaganda in favor of Russia. Three were arrested, and one is under strict police surveillance.

Among those arrested is a 40-year-old Russian citizen, recently seen putting up Russia-supporting posters at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the female head of a Russian-aligned organization ‘SOS Donbass’ operating in France, and a 63-year-old from the Paris suburbs. The fourth suspect, 58, remains under strict police supervision and must report weekly.

French internal intelligence agency DGSI reported that the female leader of SOS Donbass had been monitored since the start of the year. She allegedly tried to collect economic information from French businesses, which could harm national interests.

The case has raised concern over Russian espionage across Europe, especially amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The UK and Poland have also recently arrested individuals for aiding Russian intelligence or carrying out sabotage.

Russia has denied all allegations, claiming that Western countries unfairly blame Moscow for any problem.