L'Express has obtained a secret document from French intelligence services. The document, spanning 16 pages, is classified and intended solely for ministers due to its highly sensitive content.
Key points from the document:
Espionage at the École Polytechnique: One of France's most prestigious schools, training engineers for both the public and private sectors, has become a target of Russian espionage, particularly regarding research on high-intensity lasers.
Laptop Theft at the Airport: During a visit to Russia, a French engineer’s laptop, from a defense company, was hacked, and one even stolen. This is seen as a flagrant lack of awareness of risks and professionalism.
"You Are the Target": New members of parliament or government hear the phrase: “You are the target.” Russian officers, under diplomatic cover, try to establish contacts for gathering information. Intelligence services warn: "No conversation is innocent," even in a bar. Sexual espionage is also frequently employed.
Email Hacking of Military Officials: In 2023–2024, several email accounts from the Ministry of Armed Forces were hacked. Though this wasn’t the primary system, the attack raised serious concerns.
Covert Purchase of Microchips: Russia illegally obtained military-grade microchips via a French company. The operation began back in 2014, involving China, without direct conspiracy.
Attempted Power Grid Disruption: French intelligence suspects Russia’s involvement in the large blackout on April 28, 2024, affecting Spain, Portugal, and southern France. Additionally, in April 2024, a hydroelectric facility, Courlandon, was hacked.
Olympics Threat: In July 2024, a Russian was arrested in France, planning violent actions during the opening of the Olympics. Another Russian with "instructions" was detained at the airport. Intelligence believes these actions were a signal, not an actual terror attempt.
Attack on Caesar Manufacturer: The company KNDS France, which manufactures Caesar artillery, suffered an email hack, likely by the GRU. The information leak lasted for several months.
Putin’s "Space War": On February 24, 2022, just one hour before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia disabled 40,000 Viasat satellite modems, including those in France. In 2024, over 200 cases were recorded of Russian attempts to disrupt GPS data of French aircraft.
Iranian Support: Russia aids in the development of Iranian and North Korean missile programmes. While there is no direct nuclear assistance, Russia’s support in military technology allows Iran to increase the range of its missiles, which can now reach France, including Corsica and Alsace.
Nuclear Threat: France is closely monitoring Russia’s Oreshnik programme, which may include nuclear warheads with a range of 3,000–5,500 km. A test on November 21, 2024, involving a civilian target in Ukraine, is considered a worrying signal.
Disinformation in the Name of Hamas: In July 2024, the group Storm-1516 (linked to the GRU) simulated threats of terrorist attacks on behalf of Hamas. In January 2025, a fake threat to burn Notre-Dame was circulated. In February, a fabricated video story about Brigitte Macron was shared, which was viewed by millions.
Discrediting Macron: During the 2022 elections, Russia launched an operation to promote Macron through fake accounts, only to later expose them and accuse France of manipulation. In 2024, Storm-1516 posed as Macron's coalition, promising 100 euros per vote with a social security number.
French intelligence services believe that Russia is systematically and multilaterally attempting to destabilize France, using both traditional and hybrid methods, from cyberattacks to psychological pressure.
