Investigation opened after threatening emails sent to three Israeli athletes

Sensitive personal data of athletes was illegally disclosed on social networks. The investigation, opened after a report by Gérald Darmanin, is being conducted by the National Center for Combating Online Hate.

An investigation into “aggravated death threats” has been opened after threatening emails were sent to three Israeli athletes participating in the Olympic Games in France, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced on Sunday, July 28. The investigation, opened after a report from Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, is being conducted by the National Center for Combating Online Hate (PNLH), the prosecutor’s office said. The investigations are being entrusted to the brigade for the repression of crimes against the person.

Sensitive personal data of Israeli athletes was illegally leaked on social media on Friday. In this case, the anti-cybercrime office has taken action to have them removed from the relevant media. All Israeli athletes attending the Games benefit from 24-hour personal security provided by elite French police and gendarmerie units, both inside the Olympic Village and whenever they go out for events.

On Thursday, Israel warned France of potential threats “terrorist attacks” against its athletes and tourists by Iranian-backed groups during the Paris Olympics. The country also accused Iran of “digital terrorism” aiming to “to provoke fear” among the Israeli delegation to the Paris Olympics.