French Authorities Blame Russian Intelligence for Hateful Acts Targeting Muslims
French authorities have linked a series of hateful acts, including the 'Pig-Head' incidents targeting Muslim sites, to Russian intelligence services. A recent report by think tank GLOBSEC highlights Russia's hybrid warfare tactics aiming to manipulate public opinion in Western democracies.
In 20XX, between April and September, the French authorities suspected the Russian intelligence service of orchestrating the Pig-Head operation. This involved placing severed pig heads at Muslim sites, including the Paris Javel mosque on September 9. A total of 10 pig heads were discovered across Paris and its suburbs. The French believe the Russian security service, FSB, was behind the spray painting of 60 Star of David graffiti in Paris in 2023.
French intelligence suspects Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU, of being behind the stunt. Specifically, they are investigating Unit 29155. The GRU is also believed to have contacted a Serbian intermediary who recruited nationals to conduct operations tied to French politics. Serbian police arrested 11 Serbian nationals for their suspected involvement in these acts.
The French authorities have opened an investigation into these incidents for 'public incitement to hatred or violence'. The GLOBSEC report underscores Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, involving disinformation campaigns and acts of public disturbance to amplify divisions in Western societies. French intelligence urges police forces to remain vigilant for signs of potential Russian 'subversion'.
