French police detain 3, probe fourth in foreign collusion investigation

French authorities have taken three people into custody—including two Russian nationals—and are investigating a fourth individual on suspicion of colluding with a foreign power, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Wednesday.

The arrests were made as part of an ongoing national security investigation, though officials have so far provided no details about the alleged foreign state involved or the nature of the suspected collaboration.

Prosecutors said the inquiry remains at an early stage and is being handled by specialised investigators.

The identities of the suspects have not been released, but sources close to the case said the fourth man under investigation is not currently in detention.

All four are expected to be questioned over activities that authorities believe may have posed risks to French national interests.

The detentions come amid heightened vigilance across Europe over suspected espionage networks, covert influence operations and cyberactivity linked to foreign governments.

France has stepped up counter-intelligence efforts in recent years, warning that hostile actors have increasingly targeted political institutions, critical infrastructure and civil society.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said further information will be released “when appropriate”, stressing that the investigation is ongoing.