Serbia Arrests 11 Suspects in Paris Vandalism Case Linked to Foreign Intelligence

Serbian Authorities Detain 11 in International Vandalism Probe

Serbian law enforcement has announced the arrest of 11 individuals suspected of involvement in a series of vandalism incidents targeting Jewish and Muslim sites in Paris, and other acts in Berlin, allegedly orchestrated by a foreign intelligence service. The arrests were made last Monday, following an investigation into acts committed between April and September 2025.

The suspects, all Serbian nationals, are believed to have been trained and directed by a 12th individual, identified only by the initials M.G., who remains at large. This alleged organizer is accused of acting 'under the instructions of a foreign intelligence service' to incite hatred and violence.

Vandalism Targets Jewish Sites in Paris

The alleged cell is linked to the vandalism of at least five Jewish sites in France in May 2025. These incidents included the splashing of green paint on the Shoah Memorial Holocaust Museum, three synagogues, and a kosher restaurant in Paris. The Wall of the Righteous, a memorial dedicated to those who rescued French Jews during the Holocaust, was also defaced with green paint.

These acts followed previous incidents, such as red handprints found on the Wall of the Righteous in May 2024, which French media reported were allegedly carried out by Bulgarian citizens with suspected ties to Russian intelligence services.

Attacks on Muslim Sites and Berlin Memorials

Beyond the Jewish sites, the 11 suspects are also accused of placing pig heads near Muslim religious buildings in the Paris area. In early September, pig heads were discovered at the entrances of at least nine mosques in Paris and its suburbs, with some reportedly bearing French President Emmanuel Macron's name.

The group's alleged activities extended to Germany, where they are suspected of placing 'fake skeletons with written messages' at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Alleged Foreign Interference and Broader Context

Serbian authorities have not publicly named the foreign intelligence service allegedly behind these operations. However, French officials and European sources have repeatedly pointed to Moscow's intelligence services, including the GRU and FSB, as being involved in similar destabilization campaigns in France and other European countries.

The objective of these acts, according to the Serbian Interior Ministry, was to 'incite hatred, discrimination and violence based on differences' and to 'spread ideas advocating and inciting hatred, discrimination and violence.' French investigators suspect these operations aim to sow discord within French society, particularly amidst heightened tensions over the Gaza war and a global rise in antisemitic incidents.

The arrested individuals are facing charges of criminal conspiracy, racial discrimination, and espionage. They are currently being held in Smederevo, near Belgrade, as investigations continue.