Russian man arrested over plans to 'destabilize' France during Paris Olympics

By Nur Asena Erturk

A Russian suspect was arrested in France for plotting acts of "destabilization" during the Paris Olympic Games, according to media reports.

A judicial investigation was launched on Tuesday, and the suspect was placed under temporary custody, the Paris prosecutor’s office said, according to the daily Le Parisien.

Arrested on Sunday, the 40-year-old suspect was indicted on sharing "intelligence with a foreign country to provoke hostilities in France."

Authorities found in the suspect’s house some elements that suggest he was plotting pro-Russian operations to destabilize France during the Games, according to a source in the investigation.

Another source noted that these could be a big project that would have had serious consequences.

However, the plans were not about an attack, hence the investigation was launched into counterintelligence and not counter-terrorism, Le Parisien added.

Paris is gearing up to host the Olympic Games this year. The opening ceremony will be held on Friday on the Seine River which crosses the French capital’s heart.