Russian Arrested in Paris Over Alleged 2024 Olympics Destabilization Plot

French authorities arrested a Russian man on Tuesday, suspected of planning to disrupt the upcoming Paris Olympics, according to the prosecutors. Born in 1984, the suspect was detained and subjected to a judicial investigation for allegedly organizing activities that could destabilize the Olympic Games, a source from the prosecution service disclosed to AFP.

Further investigation into the suspect involves allegations of transmitting intelligence to a foreign power with the intent to incite hostilities within France. This offense carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years imprisonment. During a search of the man’s residence, initiated by the interior ministry, evidence supporting the suspicions was reportedly found.

The nature of the alleged plot has not been detailed by the prosecutors, except to clarify that it is not considered a terrorist act, and therefore, is not being handled by anti-terrorist prosecutors.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, in an interview with Paris Match, revealed that over a million individuals, including athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, security personnel, and local residents near Olympic venues, have been screened in preparation for the Olympics. From these, 4,360 were denied access to the Games, with 880 specifically barred due to concerns of foreign interference.

This arrest follows several incidents that have heightened concerns about foreign attempts to influence French public opinion or exacerbate societal divisions, particularly relating to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Israel’s military response in Gaza following an attack by Hamas. Notable incidents include the placement of mock coffins labeled “French soldiers in Ukraine” near the Eiffel Tower and the appearance of red hands on Paris’s main Holocaust memorial. Additionally, after the October 7 attack by Hamas, Stars of David were spray-painted on buildings in the Paris area, leading to the arrest of two individuals believed to be associated with the Russian FSB security service.