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3w ago

France Detains Four in Russia-Linked SOS Donbass Espionage Case

The case stems from a DGSI inquiry launched in March after investigators flagged actions likely to harm France’s fundamental interests.

The Holy-Trinity Russian orthodox Cathedral and the adjoining culture center, right, are seen next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Image
FILE - A view of the headquarters of Euroclear in Brussels, on Oct. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert, File)
The Holy-Trinity Russian orthodox Cathedral and the adjoining culture center, right, are seen next to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Overview

  • Prosecutors say three suspects are in pre-trial custody and a fourth is under strict judicial supervision in a case tied to the France-based association SOS Donbass.
  • The Paris prosecutor identified the suspects as Anna N, a dual French‑Russian national who founded SOS Donbass, Vincent P and Bernard F of France, and Vyacheslav P, a Russian national.
  • A 40-year-old Russian man was filmed in September posting pro‑Moscow material on the Arc de Triomphe and was later linked to the SOS Donbass leader by phone records.
  • Preliminary charges include criminal conspiracy, intelligence for a foreign power, organised crime and damage to historic heritage, with Anna N facing potential penalties of up to 45 years in prison and €600,000 in fines.
  • DGSI had monitored the SOS Donbass leader since early 2025 and suspects she sought economic information from French company executives, a development reported as part of a wider increase in Russia-linked operations across Europe.