Overview

• French counterintelligence officers detained four men aged 26 to 38 on October 13 on suspicion of planning an attack against a Russian political opponent living in Biarritz.
• Prosecutors said a preliminary investigation began on September 19 and has now advanced to a formal judicial inquiry for participation in a terrorist criminal association to prepare crimes against persons.
• The national anti-terror prosecutor requested the suspects be placed under formal investigation and held in pretrial detention as the case proceeds before investigating judges.
• Le Parisien identified the alleged target as Vladimir Ossetchkine, a Russian activist based in Biarritz, but prosecutors declined to confirm the person’s identity.
• Media reports said reconnaissance was carried out at the opponent’s home, and Libération reported the arrests occurred in the Paris region and Loire-Atlantique.