Paris Prosecutor's Office Investigates Fast Train Sabotage Ahead Of Olympic Opening

The Paris Prosecutor's Office is investigating a deliberate disruption to high-speed rail traffic (TGV) which coincides with the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

"The Paris Prosecutor's Office is investigating a series of cases of intentional damage to the SNCF (French National Railway Company) facility on the evening of July 25-26 2024 within the framework of national jurisdiction to combat organized crimes," the Paris Prosecutor's Office said.

The investigation was triggered by property damage that could threaten national interests, attempts to disrupt automated data processing systems, and conspiracy actions to commit the breach, according to a statement.

At the same time, French broadcaster BFMTV reported authorities were forming a response team to deal with sabotage of high-speed rail services.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is expected to participate in a meeting of the Ministry of Transportation in Paris.

Meanwhile, the train belonging to international rail operator Eurostar, which connects Dutch and Paris cities, has been delayed due to sabotaged rail services in France.

"Some trains on this route have been canceled, but many are still operating. This situation mainly affects travel times, which have increased," the company's support services for Eurostar in the Netherlands told the Russian News Agency.

About 800,000 passengers are expected to be affected by the disruption as France prepares for the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. SNCF said large numbers of trains had to be diverted or canceled.