crime
Vandalism Strikes French Communication Networks Amid Ongoing Olympic Games
The vandalism incident coincided with recent arson attacks on France’s train networks just hours before the Olympics opening ceremony, escalating concerns about security vulnerabilities.
PARIS, France — Acts of vandalism targeting multiple telecommunications lines have disrupted fiber networks and fixed and mobile phone services across various French cities, amid the 2024 Paris Olympics events. The French government has confirmed the incidents.
The full extent of the damage remains unclear, and authorities have not determined whether any Olympic activities have been affected. The vandalism follows a series of arson attacks that impacted train networks across France on Friday, just hours before the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
Marina Ferrari, France’s Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, revealed on X that several regions experienced overnight damage from Sunday to Monday, affecting telecom operators and subsequently access to fiber and telephone lines. Paris 2024 Olympics organizers have yet to comment on the situation.
A French police official noted that at least six administrative departments, including the Mediterranean city of Marseille which is hosting Olympic soccer and sailing competitions, were impacted.
Telecom operators Bouygues and Free confirmed service disruptions, with Free’s parent company stating that teams are actively working to restore services. French media reports also indicated that SFR, another telecom provider, experienced line disruptions.
A national investigation is ongoing into last week’s train network sabotage, which affected nearly a million passengers in France and neighboring countries. Although train services largely resumed by Monday, the incident has sparked widespread concern.
French media reported an arrest of an extreme-left activist at a rail facility in the Seine-Maritime region on Sunday. However, the Paris prosecutor’s office clarified that the arrest was unconnected to Friday’s events, and no arrests have been made in the ongoing arson investigation thus far.
