French Authorities Arrest “SOS Donbass” NGO Leaders on Suspicion of Russian Espionage

French authorities have arrested two leaders of a purported humanitarian organization on allegations they were secretly working for Russia, marking a significant escalation in France’s efforts to counter foreign intelligence operations on its soil.

The founder of “SOS Donbass,” Anna Novikova, and its current president, Vincent Perfetti, were taken into custody on November 17 following months of surveillance by France’s domestic intelligence agency (DGSI), according to French newspaper Le Parisien. Both have been charged with serious offenses including “conspiracy with a foreign power” and “collecting information on national interests on behalf of a foreign state.”

After a four-day detention period, both suspects were placed in pretrial detention as investigations continue. The charges represent some of the most serious espionage allegations leveled against individuals operating humanitarian organizations in France in recent years.

SOS Donbass was established as an organization purportedly dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to residents in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, which has been partially occupied by Russian forces since 2014. However, French authorities believe the group’s humanitarian mission served as an elaborate cover for intelligence gathering and influence operations.

According to investigators, the organization’s aid convoys and humanitarian trips to occupied territories provided opportunities for the suspects to meet with Russian officials and military officers. These contacts allegedly evolved into recruitment for intelligence activities benefiting Moscow.

“What begins as humanitarian work can sometimes become something much more problematic from a national security perspective,” said a security analyst familiar with similar cases who requested anonymity. “The investigation will need to determine exactly what information may have been passed and how significant it was.”

The case has drawn particular attention as it potentially reveals a broader Russian strategy of using seemingly benign organizations as fronts for intelligence operations in Europe. French authorities are concerned that SOS Donbass may be just one component of a wider network of NGOs established to advance Russian interests within France.

Both Novikova and Perfetti have maintained their innocence, characterizing themselves merely as pro-Russian activists with legitimate humanitarian motives. However, Le Parisien reports that the DGSI has compiled evidence of sustained contact between the suspects and representatives of Russian government agencies, including military officials.

A third individual connected to the organization has also been implicated in the case. Identified only as Vyacheslav P., a Ukrainian-French activist, he faces less severe charges related to “damage to public property in connection with a foreign state” and “participation in a criminal association.” His alleged activities included posting pro-Russian propaganda on the Arc de Triomphe, a historic monument in Paris.

This case emerges against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Western nations and Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. European security services have reported increased Russian intelligence activity across the continent, with France being a particular target due to its military and diplomatic influence.

The French government has taken increasingly firm measures against suspected Russian operations on its territory. Earlier this year, authorities expelled several Russian diplomats suspected of espionage activities, and security services have disrupted multiple alleged Russian influence operations targeting French political processes.

The ongoing investigation aims to determine the full extent of information potentially transmitted to Moscow and whether Novikova and Perfetti were part of a larger network of agents operating within France. Authorities are particularly concerned about identifying any additional accomplices who might still be active.

If convicted on all charges, the suspects could face substantial prison sentences under French law, which treats espionage offenses with particular severity when national security interests are at stake.

The case highlights the increasingly complex intersection between humanitarian work in conflict zones and national security concerns, raising questions about how democratic nations can maintain openness while protecting against foreign intelligence threats.