France charges Belarus-born man with spying for Russia on drone supplier to Ukrainian army

The incident

A 48-year-old man born in Belarus was arrested on 3 June 2026 outside the Delair factory in Labège, near Toulouse, while filming a military drone prototype. The Paris prosecutor confirmed he was placed in provisional detention shortly after. The man, who resided in Spain, is accused of targeting a company that equips both the French and Ukrainian armed forces. His arrest follows a pattern of foreign interference attempts.

Investigation and charges

The DGSI, France’s internal intelligence agency, determined that the suspect had sent the recorded video to a contact in Russia. Two days after the arrest, on 5 June, the Paris public prosecutor opened a judicial inquiry into offences against the fundamental interests of the nation. He was indicted for delivering information to a foreign power (Russia) and for criminal conspiracy. The charge of providing intelligence to a foreign state carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Delair and the war in Ukraine

Delair, founded fifteen years ago, employs 250 people and expects a turnover of €50 million in 2025. The Toulouse-based company has developed several generations of aerial and underwater drones used for defence, security and industrial surveillance, with more than 3,000 units deployed worldwide. Its drones have seen extensive use in the Ukraine conflict. The firm’s president, Bastien Mancini, noted that turnover had jumped from €10 million to €50 million in three years, driven partly by demand from Ukraine.

Factory attacked with Molotov cocktails

Only days before the arrest, the same Labège plant was targeted with Molotov cocktails. According to a source close to the case, the devices did not detonate. The Toulouse prosecutor, David Charmatz, opened a separate investigation for “destruction by means dangerous to persons”. It is not yet clear whether the arson attempt is linked to the espionage case.

“The competent authorities have taken over the case, we have no comment. Our activity has not been affected by these events … we have taken all necessary measures to reinforce the security of assets and people at our company.”