French police officer detained over terror plot linked to far-right ideology

The 35-year-old officer, who was serving in the Yvelines department west of Paris, was arrested by anti-terrorism investigators on 23 August as he left work.

He is suspected of planning violent attacks against state interests and of manufacturing weapons using a 3D printer, according to French broadcaster TF1/LCI, which revealed the case on Thursday.

A judicial source confirmed to French news agency AFP that the officer was accused of preparing a terrorist act as well as manufacturing weapons and committing a series of related offences.

A separate source close to the investigation described him as adhering to “a violent, radical, far-right ideology”.

After spending 96 hours in police custody, the officer was formally placed under investigation and remanded in custody.

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Suspected incitement

France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office opened a judicial investigation on 27 August into the individual preparation of a terrorist act, as well as the manufacture and possession of category A or B weapons in connection with terrorism.

Investigators are also looking into allegations of incitement to terrorism through online communications. According to TF1/LCI, they suspect the officer of having discussed possible attacks against French state institutions and members of the security forces.

The broadcaster reported that parts of weapons were discovered when investigators searched his home and vehicle, and that he is suspected of manufacturing firearms using 3D-printing technology.

He is the only person currently under formal investigation in the case.

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny in France of violent far-right networks, with anti-terrorism authorities in recent years investigating several suspected plots involving extremist activists.

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Police under scrutiny

The case emerged shortly after a separate controversy involving a municipal police officer in the southern city of Carcassonne who was captured by his own body camera making racist, sexist and conspiratorial comments.

Footage dating from November 2025 was made public earlier this month, prompting widespread condemnation and an investigation by prosecutors.

The officer had also been a volunteer member of the security operation of the far-right National Rally, or RN. The party said it removed him from its security team and expelled him after the footage became public.

The episode comes as the RN prepares for France's 2027 presidential election.

Marine Le Pen has spent years seeking to broaden the party's appeal and distance it from some of the more controversial elements associated with the National Front, the movement founded by her father Jean-Marie Le Pen and later renamed.

There is no suggestion that the officer detained on terror charges has any connection to the RN.

(with newswires)