France Discovers Azerbaijani Female Spies During Defense Minister's Visit

Two Azerbaijani women, posing as journalists, were identified by French intelligence upon arrival in New Caledonia to "cover" the visit of French Minister of Defense. This was reported by the media outlet Europe 1.

One of them participated in a protest organized by the Kanak Independence Party. She has also written articles for the Azerbaijani state news agency with "anti-French bias." The second woman was sent to investigative detention due to lack of a visa and later returned to Singapore as a transit country.

The aforementioned women were on a special list in Paris for their close connections to Azerbaijani intelligence services. The media outlet notes that France is a target of misinformation campaigns by Azerbaijan. This is yet another attempt at destabilization uncovered by French intelligence.

A month ago, the Viginum agency, which deals with foreign digital interference, pointed out Azerbaijan's role in social media aimed at undermining France's reputation regarding the possibility of hosting the Olympic Games next summer. This new phase of shadow warfare occurred last week during Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu's visit to Nouméa, who intended to activate France's defense strategy in the region.

“In recent months, diplomatic tensions between Paris and Baku have sharply escalated. France has accused Azerbaijan of 'ethnic cleansing' in Armenia. Additionally, it has transferred 24 'Bastion' armored vehicles to Yerevan. Another 26 such armored vehicles are currently in production, which is clearly not to Azerbaijan's taste,” writes the magazine.

The publication states that according to informed sources, the tension between France and Azerbaijan is set to escalate again in the coming days because, after months of a deadlock, Baku and Yerevan are close to signing a peace agreement.