Four individuals, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested in France on suspicion of espionage. The arrests occurred after an investigation revealed that these individuals allegedly aimed to capture sensitive satellite data, specifically from the Starlink network, which is critical for military and other vital operations. The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed that the suspects were brought before an investigative judge, with two of them remanded in custody.
According to a statement from the Paris public prosecutor’s office, the cybercrime division initiated a judicial investigation following a tip-off received on January 30, 2024. Local authorities became aware of the situation when residents reported the installation of a large satellite dish—approximately two meters wide—at an Airbnb in Gironde, located in southwestern France. This installation coincided with an internet outage, raising suspicions among the locals.
The investigation, which is being managed by France’s General Directorate for Internal Security, led to a search on January 31. During this operation, investigators uncovered a computer system linked to the satellite dishes that were allegedly used for interception. This equipment has since been seized for further analysis.
In addition to the two Chinese nationals, two other individuals were arrested for allegedly assisting in the illegal importation of the technical materials used in the suspected espionage activities. The judicial inquiry will explore potential charges related to the unlawful disclosure of sensitive information to foreign entities, which could compromise national security, and the organized theft of data from automated processing systems.
This incident is part of a growing trend in Europe, where several cases of alleged Chinese espionage have surfaced in recent years. Tensions between Beijing and Western nations have escalated, particularly as intelligence agencies in the West increasingly raise concerns about state-sponsored hacking activities attributed to China.
In response to these allegations, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Thursday, condemning what it described as “malicious slander and smear” against the country. The ministry emphasized the need for relevant parties to respect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.
China has consistently denied accusations of espionage and has, in turn, claimed that Western nations engage in similar hacking operations. The ongoing investigation in France highlights the delicate balance of international relations amid rising concerns over cybersecurity and espionage activities.
