French authorities launch investigation into four Chinese nationals who attempted to obtain satellite communication data such as Starlink and send it to China

Reuters, AFP and other media outlets have reported that French authorities are investigating four people, including two Chinese nationals, on suspicion of illegally obtaining satellite communications data related to SpaceX's satellite internet service Starlink and sending it to China.

Two Chinese nationals suspected of spying from French Airbnb under investigation | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/four-people-including-two-chinese-nationals-arrested-france-suspicion-spying-2026-02-04/

French police arrest 2 Chinese citizens over alleged attempt to access military data – POLITICO
https://www.politico.eu/article/france-police-arrest-2-china-citizen-access-military-data-starlink/

According to the Paris prosecutor's office, a neighbor noticed a satellite dish measuring about two metres in diameter installed on a property in the Gironde department in southwestern France and reported the incident to police after experiencing internet outages at the same time.

After receiving the report, French investigators launched an investigation on January 31, 2026. According to Reuters, investigators searched the property, which was being rented out via Airbnb , discovered and seized a system connected to a satellite dish, and arrested two Chinese nationals who were present at the scene.

Two other people who arrived at the scene after the two Chinese nationals were also detained on suspicion of illegally bringing in equipment, according to AFP.

According to Reuters, the cybercrime division of the Paris prosecutor's office opened legal proceedings on February 4, 2026. The Paris prosecutor's office issued a statement stating, 'Two Chinese nationals are suspected of entering French territory and attempting to obtain satellite data from the Starlink satellite network and other high-value data from important targets, including military organizations, and then sending it to China.'

Two of the four suspects have been detained, and the other two will be placed under judicial supervision. Future investigations will focus on the illegal provision of important military and critical infrastructure information to foreign countries, as well as the systematic theft of data from information systems.

The suspects reportedly claimed on their visa applications to enter France that they were working for a company working on a military project in collaboration with the university.

While Starlink is highly valuable as a communications infrastructure, it is also subject to illegal distribution and crackdowns in connection with war and security issues.

SpaceX's satellite internet 'Starlink' kits are being distributed to Russian military and Sudanese paramilitary groups via the black market - GIGAZINE

Another reason why these incidents attract attention is that satellite communications have military and security value.

SpaceX signed a $1.8 billion contract with the US government intelligence agency to build a spy satellite network - GIGAZINE

According to Reuters, China's Foreign Ministry stated that it 'opposes malicious slander and accusations' and called for the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese people to be protected.