Former Naval Pilot Pierre‑Henri Chuet Indicted for Intelligence With China

Overview

• The Paris prosecutor says Pierre‑Henri Chuet was formally mis en examen on July 23 for intelligence with a foreign power, collection and delivery of information on national interests, and disclosure of defence secrets.
• The investigation began after the Ministry of the Armed Forces filed an article 40 report to the Parquet de Paris on February 19, 2025, which led the DGSI to open a preliminary inquiry.
• Authorities placed Chuet under judicial supervision, searched his home and questioned him under garde à vue before referring the matter to a juge d'instruction.
• Reporting focuses on paid presentations Chuet gave in China while still in uniform, with outlets reporting trips in 2018 and 2019 and disputed payment intermediaries; Chuet denies ever disclosing confidential information.
• The charges carry severe penalties and leave open key questions for the court about whether the information shared was classified, whether military rules on reporting foreign contacts were breached, and what evidence the judge will admit.