Olympic volunteers

PARIS – In a significant move to safeguard the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that approximately 1,000 individuals suspected of espionage have been prohibited from attending the Games.

A thorough vetting process has been undertaken, encompassing nearly 1 million background checks on volunteers, workers, and others involved with the Olympics.

These checks also extend to individuals seeking access to the highly secured zones along the Seine River, the site of the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday.

Of the 1 million reviewed, around 5,000 were denied entry, with 1,000 of these being suspected of foreign interference, which Darmanin suggested could amount to spying.

Darmanin, currently serving in a caretaker capacity following recent legislative elections, highlighted the specific threat of Russia-backed interference. He stressed the importance of preventing sports events from becoming platforms for espionage, cyberattacks, or misinformation campaigns against France.

Darmanin’s comments come amid heightened vigilance over various forms of foreign interference, although he refrained from naming other countries involved.

Incident of Russian Suspect Detained

Further highlighting the concerns over foreign interference, reports emerged of a Russian national’s arrest in Paris over the past weekend.

According to Le Parisien, a man in his 40s was detained by France’s General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI) on suspicion of planning actions to destabilise the political situation during the Olympics.

The arrest followed a search of the suspect’s apartment, located near the venue for the opening ceremony.

The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has charged the individual with working for a foreign state with the intent to fuel internal tensions within France.

French intelligence services had been monitoring the suspect for an extended period before deciding to conduct the search.

Sources close to the investigation indicated that the suspect was preparing operations in Russia’s interest to destabilise France, though there is no evidence suggesting a terror plot at this stage.

Investigators are continuing to ascertain the specifics and extent of the suspect’s plans.

Broader Security Threats

In addition to espionage concerns, the background checks flagged individuals for various security risks, including suspected Islamic radicalisation, political extremism from both left and right, significant criminal records, and other potential threats.

Darmanin justified these exclusions by emphasising the necessity of maintaining a safe environment for both the participants and the audience.

Enhanced Security Measures

Paris is set to deploy 35,000 police officers daily throughout the duration of the Olympics, with this number peaking at 45,000 for the opening ceremony.

Furthermore, 10,000 soldiers will bolster security efforts in the Paris region.

International cooperation is also a key component, with over 40 countries contributing at least 1,900 police reinforcements.

Special protection is being extended to the Ukrainian team, which faces significant threats, and Israeli athletes, who will be under constant surveillance by the elite GIGN police unit, renowned for its counterterrorism expertise.

Preparedness and Vigilance

Darmanin commended the dedication of the security forces, including police officers, firefighters, bomb disposal experts, intelligence agents, and private security personnel.

In a handwritten note shared on social media, he acknowledged the immense responsibility of hosting such a global event and the unprecedented security challenges it presents.

The minister’s note underscored the ongoing threat of extremist attacks, a harsh reality for Paris in recent years.

Additionally, international conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, further complicate the security landscape.

Cybersecurity and Civil Rights Concerns

Olympic organisers are also on high alert for potential cyberattacks.

Concurrently, rights campaigners and critics of the Games have voiced apprehensions about the extensive use of AI-equipped surveillance technology.

There is concern that the extensive security measures may persist beyond the Olympics, potentially infringing on civil liberties.

A Unique Olympic Setting

Unlike previous Olympics, where events were held in dedicated parks outside city centres, Paris has opted to integrate many of the events into the heart of the city.

This decision, while showcasing Paris’ iconic sites, adds complexity to the security operations. Temporary sports arenas and the opening ceremony along the Seine introduce additional challenges for the security personnel tasked with protecting the Games.