A member of the Canadian delegation was arrested shortly before the start of the Olympic Games because of espionage with drone.
As the Olympic Games prepare to kick off this weekend in Paris, a major incident has already occurred. A Canadian was arrested for alleged drone espionage, creating a scandal just days before the event. New Zealand’s women’s soccer team reported a drone flying over their training ground in St. Étienne on Monday.
Investigation and arrest
Upon investigation, the police discovered that the drone was operated by a member of the Canadian delegation. An official statement confirmed that the individual was an unaccredited team member. The suspect was promptly arrested by French authorities.
Response from New Zealand and Canada
The New Zealand Olympic Committee lodged a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), demanding a thorough investigation. Emphasizing the seriousness of the incident, the committee called for swift action.
In a statement, the Canadian Olympic Committee expressed their dismay: “The Canadian Olympic Committee stands for fair play and we are shocked and disappointed. We sincerely apologize to New Zealand Football, all affected players, and the New Zealand Olympic Committee.”
Drone issues at the Olympics
The incident has highlighted concerns about drone usage at major public events like the Olympics. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has reminded the public not to fly drones near such events, citing significant safety risks to people on the ground and other aircraft.
EASA stressed the importance of being aware of airspace restrictions in France during the Olympic Games. “Check local airspace restrictions with your local drone app or on the EASA website,” advised the agency.
