A Russian citizen has recently been detained in Paris on suspicion of planning provocations at the upcoming Olympic Games under the direction of Russian special services.
This information comes from a joint investigation by The Insider, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde, as reported by DW.
From Chef to Suspected Spy
Kyrylo Gryaznov, a 40-year-old native of Perm, Russia, initially worked as a lawyer before moving to France in 2010.
There, he transitioned to a career as a chef and worked at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Courchevel.
In 2012, Gryaznov returned to Russia, informing the owner of his Paris apartment that he was now working "for the state."
In May 2024, Gryaznov's suspicious behavior caught attention when he attempted to fly from Istanbul to Paris but was denied boarding due to intoxication. He then traveled to France via Bulgaria.
During a drunken conversation in Bulgaria, Gryaznov reportedly threatened that France "will remember this Olympics for a long time," and claimed affiliation with Russian special services.
Details of the Arrest
Gryaznov was arrested on July 21 in his Paris apartment. He faces charges of intelligence activities aimed at inciting hostilities in France.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, "diplomatic materials" and certificates found in his possession suggest he belonged to "Unit V" of the Russian special services, potentially linked to FSB special forces "Pennant."
The investigation confirmed Gryaznov's connections to Russian special services through correspondence where acquaintances asked him to identify FSB personnel and the son of a Russian Ministry of Defense officer. His ties to Russian intelligence may also be linked to his brother Dmitry, a high-ranking official in the Union State of Russia and Belarus.
Currently, Gryaznov is in custody in France and faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Preventive Measures
In response to espionage fears, French authorities have denied Olympic access to dozens of foreigners, including around a hundred individuals from Russia, Belarus, and other countries. This was confirmed by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin to Le Journal du Dimanche on July 20.
The Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, have prompted heightened security measures.
