“In France, three members of the pro-Russian association “SOS Donbas” were arrested on suspicion of espionage for Russia, local media reported. The investigation believes that the organization’s humanitarian activities could have been a cover for gathering information and creating a criminal community”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
According to the French media, Anna N., Vincent P. and Vyacheslav P. were detained. In the messages on the website of the association, it is indicated that the founder of the organization is Anna Novikova, and the current president is Vincent Perfetti. Vyacheslav P. is called a member of “SOS Donbas” by the media.
After 96 hours in custody, Novikova and Perfetti were charged with conspiring with a foreign state, gathering information for the benefit of a foreign state, and creating a criminal association for the purpose of committing a crime. Both were sent to custody.
According to France 24, French intelligence has been monitoring Novikova since at least the beginning of the year. According to Le Parisien, the detentions took place as part of an investigation into the activities of SOS Donbas. The website of the association states that the association “informs and mobilizes people to help the residents of Donbas”, in particular, collects donations for humanitarian aid. It is about the part of Donbas occupied by Russian troops.
France’s Directorate-General for Internal Security (DGSI) believes that humanitarian convoys and fundraising campaigns could have been a cover for espionage for Russia.
Vyacheslav P. is accused of damaging public property and participating in a criminal community. He was detained after he put up pro-Russian posters at the Arc de Triomphe in September 2025. The fourth suspect was not arrested, he has to report to the police once a week.