French Court Jails Bulgarians for Holocaust Memorial Vandalism, Citing Russian Hybrid Warfare Link

Four Bulgarians Sentenced in Paris for Holocaust Memorial Vandalism

A French court has sentenced four Bulgarian nationals to prison terms ranging from two to four years for their involvement in the vandalism of the Paris Holocaust Memorial in May 2024. The court's decision, delivered on October 31, 2025, underscored the findings of French prosecutors and intelligence services, which linked the defacement to a broader Russian hybrid warfare campaign aimed at destabilizing Western democracies.

The incident, which saw approximately 500 red handprints spray-painted on the 'Wall of the Righteous' at the Mémorial de la Shoah and in surrounding Parisian neighborhoods, was initially viewed in the context of rising antisemitic tensions.

Russian Hybrid Warfare Network Implicated

French intelligence documents, cited in court, revealed that the vandalism was orchestrated through Telegram channels and directed from abroad. Two of the suspects reportedly 'received instructions in Russian from unidentified individuals,' suggesting coordination by a Russian intermediary network. Prosecutors stated that the actions fit a pattern of Russia's destabilization tactics, which involve using hired proxies to execute low-level operations that exacerbate social tensions and amplify disinformation.

The 'red hand' graffiti was heavily promoted online by thousands of fake accounts linked to Russian influence campaigns. This incident is considered one of several such acts in France, including the appearance of blue Stars of David on buildings in October 2023 and coffins placed near the Eiffel Tower in June 2024, all suspected to be part of Russian-orchestrated destabilization efforts.

Defendants and Sentences

The four Bulgarian nationals charged in connection with the vandalism are:

• Nikolay Ivanov: Accused of recruiting the perpetrators and considered a mastermind, he received a sentence of four years in prison and a permanent ban from French territory.
• Mircho Angelov: Identified as the alleged ringleader and coordinator, he remains at large and was sentenced to three years in prison in absentia, with an arrest warrant issued.
• Georgi Filipov: Admitted to painting the red hands and was sentenced to two years in prison, along with a permanent ban from France. He claimed he was paid €1,000 for his role, needing the money for child support.
• Kiril Milushev: Admitted to filming the act and received a sentence of two years in prison, also with a permanent ban from France. He stated he was paid €500.

During the trial, Filipov and Milushev expressed regret for their actions. Filipov, who has neo-Nazi tattoos, claimed he had made 'bad choices in the past' and did not realize the antisemitic nature of the graffiti. The court found all four men guilty of aggravated vandalism and criminal conspiracy, noting that the vandalism was 'committed as part of a concerted and hostile operation intended to stir public opinion.' The defendants were also ordered to jointly pay €1 in symbolic damages to the Holocaust Memorial.

Broader Context of Foreign Interference

French authorities have warned that Russia is waging a 'war of influence' against the country through hybrid online disinformation, espionage, and sabotage operations. The incidents, including the Holocaust Memorial vandalism, are seen as attempts to exploit existing divisions within French society and undermine trust in institutions. The trial marks a significant step in France's efforts to counter such foreign interference.