The arrest of Kirill Gryaznov has set off a wave of concern across Europe.
Gryaznov, a 40-year-old Russian national, was detained earlier this week on allegations of collaborating with a foreign power to stir up unrest in France. Authorities have linked him to the FSB, Russia’s domestic intelligence agency.
Gryaznov, who denies any wrongdoing, allegedly bragged about turning the Paris Olympics into a spectacular event unlike any other.
As the opening ceremony of the Olympics neared, chaos struck France’s rail system. Key installations were targeted, resulting in fires that disrupted train services and affected around 800,000 passengers.
The Eurostar, which runs between London and Paris, advised against travel due to the widespread disruption.
The BBC reported that Moscow had been warned about attempts to destabilize European rail networks, with the Czech Republic’s transport minister noting thousands of such attempts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Gare du Nord, a central hub for Eurostar trains in Paris, was among the hardest hit. Overnight attacks led to numerous service cancellations, impacting sports fans traveling to Paris for the Olympics.
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete described the situation as a series of “coordinated malicious acts” focusing on the TGV high-speed train network, which is particularly busy during this time of year.
Investigations and Security Measures
The first fire was detected early Friday morning near Courtalain, causing major disruptions on the Atlantique high-speed line. Additional attacks on the line between Lille and Paris led to diverted trains and extended journey times.
Paris stations like Montparnasse saw significant crowding due to cancellations.
SNCF, the French rail operator, labeled the incidents as a “massive arson attack” intended to paralyze the TGV network. The disruptions are expected to last throughout the weekend.
Heightened Security for the Olympics
French authorities are on high alert as they prepare for the opening of the Olympics.
A substantial security operation, costing £350 million, has been put in place to protect the event.
This includes the largest peacetime deployment in France’s history, involving 75,000 soldiers, police, and private security agents.
General Lionel Catar assured that the focus is on safeguarding the 80,000 competitors and the large audience expected for the opening ceremony.
Additional Threats and Arrests
Adding to the tension, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz has warned of a potential terror threat during the Olympics, indicating that Iranian operatives might target Israelis.
French authorities have also detained an 18-year-old from Gironde, suspected of planning a terror attack against the Games.
This arrest followed the detention of another 18-year-old, with both individuals allegedly communicating via encrypted messaging about their violent intentions.
The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and security measures are tightened.
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