Suspected Chinese Espionage Ring Busted in France, Four Arrested

France - Ekhbary News Agency

Suspected Chinese Espionage Ring Busted in France, Four Arrested

In a significant counter-espionage operation, French authorities have detained four individuals, two of whom are Chinese nationals, in the Gironde region of southwestern France. The group is suspected of engaging in activities aimed at transmitting sensitive military data to Beijing. Following four days of detention, the four suspects were brought before an investigating judge on Wednesday for potential indictment, a development confirmed by the Paris prosecutor's office and first reported by the newspaper Le Parisien. The gravity of the allegations underscores concerns about foreign intelligence operations on French soil.

The prosecution has requested pre-trial detention for two of the arrested individuals. According to the public prosecutor's office, the presence of the two Chinese nationals in France was reportedly for the purpose of conducting a mission to capture data. This data allegedly included satellite intelligence from the Starlink network, as well as information originating from entities deemed vital, particularly within the military sector. The ultimate goal, authorities suspect, was to relay this intelligence back to their home country, China.

The investigation has been placed under the direction of the cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor's office and assigned to the Directorate-General for Internal Security (DGSI), France's domestic intelligence agency. A judicial inquiry was formally opened on Wednesday. The charges under consideration include "delivery of information to a foreign power, a foreign enterprise or organization, or one under foreign control, or to their agents, of a nature likely to undermine the fundamental interests of the Nation." Such offenses carry a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment in France, highlighting the state's commitment to protecting national security.

The operation was reportedly initiated following observations by local residents who noticed the installation of a large satellite dish, approximately two meters in diameter. The deployment of this equipment coincided with disruptions to local internet connectivity, raising suspicions about its purpose. A subsequent search of the premises uncovered a sophisticated setup involving computers linked to satellite antennas, designed for the interception of satellite data. This equipment has been seized and is undergoing analysis by intelligence services.

The two Chinese nationals had, during their visa applications, declared their occupation as engineers working for a company specializing in the research and development of wireless communication equipment and systems. The company reportedly offers products for various sectors, including education. This declared profession stands in stark contrast to the alleged clandestine intelligence-gathering activities.

The two additional individuals were apprehended when they appeared at the residence of the Chinese nationals. They are suspected of facilitating the illegal importation of the equipment used for data interception. A search of their business premises revealed a used Starlink antenna and a device capable of displaying satellite reception. According to their statements, the two Chinese nationals claimed they were trying to "understand Starlink technology," an explanation that authorities find unconvincing given the circumstances.

This case adds to a growing list of concerns regarding foreign influence and espionage operations targeting strategic information in Europe. It bears resemblance to an incident in mid-December, where a researcher at the Institute of Engineering and Mechanics in Bordeaux was indicted on charges of interference for allegedly facilitating the entry of a Chinese delegation into sensitive, restricted military zones. That professor remains under judicial supervision while facing charges, including "delivery of information to a foreign power."

French authorities remain vigilant against attempts to illicitly acquire strategic information, whether by state actors or entities linked to foreign powers. The Gironde case underscores the increasing sophistication of espionage tactics and the critical need for robust cooperation between civilian and military intelligence services to counter evolving threats to national security.

Ekhbary News Agency