Paris authorities arrest suspected agents accused of espionage and promoting Russian propaganda as tensions over Moscow’s activities rise across Europe.

French prosecutors have detained three individuals on suspicion of spying for Russia and disseminating pro-Moscow propaganda, while a fourth suspect has been placed under strict police supervision, authorities said on November 26, 2025.

Details of the Arrests

The detainees include:

• A 40-year-old Russian man filmed putting up pro-Moscow posters on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
• A 40-year-old Russian-born woman, head of the French-Russian SOS Donbass group, allegedly involved in gathering economic intelligence from French executives.
• A 63-year-old man from a northern suburb of Paris.

A fourth suspect, 58 years old, was not placed in pre-trial detention but must report to police weekly under strict supervision.

The DGSI (General Directorate for Internal Security) has monitored the woman leading SOS Donbass since early 2025. The agency opened a judicial inquiry in March into suspected offenses including collusion with a foreign power, a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison.

Wider Context of Russian Espionage in Europe

French authorities’ actions reflect heightened European concerns about Russian intelligence operations, particularly in the wake of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Governments across Europe have reported a surge in suspected espionage and sabotage activities attributed to Russia.

Recent incidents include:

• Arrests in the UK under the 2023 National Security Act, accusing suspects of aiding Russia’s foreign intelligence service.
• Convictions of Bulgarian nationals in London for conducting surveillance for the Kremlin.
• Arson attacks in London carried out on behalf of the Wagner Group, Russia’s state-funded mercenary force.

Military tensions have also escalated. The UK Defence Secretary John Healey reported that the Russian spy ship Yantar targeted British surveillance aircraft with lasers near Scotland. NATO has increased air patrols along Ukraine’s border, and Russian naval movements near UK waters have reportedly risen 30% over two years.

In addition, Switzerland has seen a spike in espionage activity, with the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) estimating that a third of Russia’s 220 accredited officials in the country may be spies. Finland also seized a Russia-linked ship in 2024 suspected of damaging an undersea cable connecting Finland and Estonia.

Implications for European Security

The arrests in France highlight growing counterespionage efforts across Europe as nations work to safeguard strategic infrastructure, corporate secrets, and military intelligence. Officials warn that Russian espionage activity poses an ongoing threat to national security across multiple EU member states.