Suspects detained amid expanding probe into covert influence operations
French authorities have arrested four individuals on suspicion of espionage for a foreign state, with prosecutors confirming on 26 November that the case involves alleged activities linked to Russia. According to investigators, the detainees include two Russian nationals and two French citizens, among them a woman identified as Anna N., who holds dual French-Russian nationality. The arrests followed a months-long surveillance operation led by the domestic intelligence agency DGSI, which monitored her attempts to reach out to corporate executives to obtain information on France’s economic interests. The detentions were first reported in coverage of the arrests in France connected to Russia as part of a wider national-security inquiry.
Prosecutors said Anna N. faces charges that include organised criminal activity, the gathering of intelligence for a foreign power and damage to historical monuments. She could receive up to 45 years in prison and fines reaching €600,000. The other suspects – identified as Vincent P., Bernard F., and Russian citizen Vyacheslav P. – also face prison terms and financial penalties under similar accusations, with French media naming Anna N. as Anna Novikova and Vincent P. as Vincent Perfetti.
Humanitarian association used as covert channel for Russian intelligence
Investigators say Novikova established SOS Donbass, an association registered in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 2022, presenting itself as a humanitarian body supporting residents of conflict-affected areas in eastern Ukraine. The group claimed to campaign for closer ties between Europe and Russia and regularly opposed weapons deliveries to Ukraine. It also engaged in fundraising and posted political messaging and pro-Kremlin content across social media platforms, including extracts from speeches by President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Prosecutors allege the organisation operated as a cover for operations involving Russian intelligence, enabling Novikova and her associates to cultivate links with political, social and business circles while appearing as a legitimate humanitarian actor. The structure, they argue, allowed the network to collect sensitive information, widen contacts and promote narratives aligned with Moscow’s interests. SOS Donbass reportedly functioned as part of a wider ecosystem of organisations used by Russia to gain access to European societies under the banner of cultural or humanitarian outreach.
Espionage networks adapted after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
European security officials say Russia has intensified its clandestine activity across the continent since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, especially after numerous Russian diplomats were expelled in 2022. These expulsions forced intelligence services to rely more heavily on covert networks, non-governmental associations and individuals with dual nationality. Such structures have been used not only to collect intelligence but also to shape public opinion, influence political discourse and amplify narratives designed to weaken Western unity on support for Ukraine and sanctions on Moscow.
Organisations similar to SOS Donbass have played a role in circulating claims about a so-called “civil war” in Ukraine and in promoting calls for “peace on Russian terms”. By using community groups, cultural platforms and anti-war initiatives, Moscow has sought to broaden its reach and legitimise messaging that aligns with its geopolitical objectives.
European governments push for tighter oversight and coordinated response
Security experts argue that Western governments must intensify scrutiny of organisations that present themselves as humanitarian but maintain links to Russia. Recommended measures include stronger monitoring of financial flows, increased transparency requirements and closer examination of information campaigns conducted through social networks. Such oversight, they say, is essential to preventing associations from being exploited as operational fronts for hostile intelligence services.
Intelligence agencies across Europe are also being urged to expand information-sharing on individuals and networks operating under cultural or humanitarian labels. According to officials, Russian agents frequently move between EU states, exploiting regulatory differences to avoid detection. Closer coordination between France, Germany, Poland and the Baltic states is seen as key to mapping out cross-border activity patterns and identifying attempts to establish new organisations modelled on SOS Donbass.
