French prosecutors have launched a formal investigation into a series of fake bomb threats that targeted dozens of commercial flights across Europe over the past week. The primary objective of the probe is to identify the individuals responsible for disseminating the false information and to determine if there are any connections to foreign powers.
The office of the Paris prosecutor stated that the inquiry aims to find the authors of the emails and assess potential links to external actors. While the investigation covers incidents across the continent, several of the bogus threats specifically concerned flights passing over French territory. The French government has confirmed that the origin of the threats is under active review.
The disruption has affected multiple aviation hubs, with no explosives ultimately found in any of the reported incidents to date. Despite the widespread impact on schedules and passenger confidence, those responsible for the hoax have not yet been identified by authorities.
Ireland’s government weighed in on the matter on Friday, suggesting that the fake bomb claims sent to Irish media outlets were likely part of a coordinated campaign of disruption. Officials indicated that these claims appeared linked to the broader series of threats targeting airlines across the region.
One notable detail in the case is the signature used in some of the messages, which read 'fighters of the Male State.' This name matches that of a radical misogynist group based in Russia. However, the French news agency AFP has not confirmed a direct link between the group and the messages sent to airlines.
Vladislav Pozdniakov, the founder of the Russian group, denied any involvement in the recent incidents. Speaking on social media on Friday, he stated that the movement has not existed since 2021, effectively distancing the organization from the current wave of threats.
The timing of the investigation coincides with a period of heightened sensitivity regarding Russian influence in Europe. As Moscow’s war against Ukraine approaches its fifth anniversary, European nations are closely monitoring economic sectors and daily life for signs of interference.
The probe represents a significant effort to understand the mechanics behind the disruption, which relied heavily on electronic communication rather than physical presence. Authorities are working to establish a timeline and a clear chain of command for the emails that caused the chaos in the skies this week.
As the investigation progresses, airlines and airport authorities remain on high alert. The case highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to coordinated digital attacks, particularly when the perpetrators remain anonymous and the threats are difficult to verify quickly.
No new arrests or major breakthroughs were announced in the initial stages of the probe. Officials continue to analyze digital footprints and communication patterns to trace the source of the alerts, keeping the possibility of foreign state involvement under close scrutiny.
