French authorities have thwarted multiple plots aimed at disrupting the 2024 Olympics, including the arrest of a Russian man, officials reported just days before the opening ceremony in Paris. The heightened alert comes as France finalizes preparations for the Games, set to begin with a high-security ceremony on the River Seine.
On Tuesday, Paris prosecutors detained a 40-year-old Russian man suspected of planning actions to destabilize the Olympics, charging him with espionage and intent to incite hostilities against France. The charges could result in a 30-year prison sentence.
During the search of the suspect’s apartment, police discovered items that indicated potential plans to disrupt the Olympic Games. The Russian Embassy in Paris requested clarification from French authorities following media reports of the arrest but refrained from further comment.
France Thwarts Plots Targeting 2024 Olympics, Arrests Russian Suspect
The Olympics’ organizers are addressing substantial security concerns, including threats of cyberattacks, against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. French and international cybersecurity experts have noted Russian-led disinformation campaigns targeting the Olympics and recent French elections.
National Police spokesperson Sonia Fibleuil highlighted the significant threat posed by cyberattacks, which could include spreading fake news and disinformation using bots to amplify these messages.
An example of this was a recently debunked AI-generated video that falsely suggested a Hamas threat against the Olympics, which French intelligence traced back to Russia. A Hamas official also denied the group’s involvement in the video.
In another plot, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the arrest of an 18-year-old man in Gironde, southwestern France, on suspicion of planning a violent act against the Olympics.
Details of the suspect’s intended targets remain undisclosed, but Darmanin indicated a connection to the planned attacks on the Games. France has mobilized a massive security operation, deploying 35,000 police officers daily, peaking at 45,000 for the opening ceremony, and involving 10,000 soldiers in the Paris region.
Additionally, over 40 countries are contributing more than 1,900 police officers to support France’s security efforts during the Olympics. This extensive international cooperation underscores the high stakes and the global focus on ensuring the safety and success of the 2024 Summer Games amidst significant geopolitical tensions.
