France Closes Nine Alleged Chinese Secret Police Stations

French counterintelligence services reportedly shut down nine alleged clandestine Chinese police stations in early 2026 after a yearlong investigation. France’s Interior Ministry said the undeclared operations acted under China’s Ministry of Public Security, mainly through Chinese community or cultural associations in the Paris region. Authorities said the network monitored diaspora members, tracked dissidents and gathered intelligence. Three Chinese nationals suspected of leading the operations faced expulsion measures; two were expelled, while a third case reached France’s Council of State on June 9, 2026. Beijing describes such facilities as overseas service centers assisting Chinese citizens with administrative matters.