Top French army officer is charged with treason

A senior French army officer based abroad has been arrested and handed preliminary treason charges for sharing highly sensitive intelligence with a foreign power.

Europe-1 radio reported that the lieutenant colo - nel is accused of passing “ultra-sensitive” in formation to Russian secret services. It reported that the officer served on a Nato base in Italy, and was arrested while on vacation in France.

French authorities would not confirm which foreign power the senior officer is suspected of spying for.

Defence minister Flor - ence Parly said the officer is under investigation for “serious security breaches .” Speaking on Europe -1 yesterday, Parly said the French military has taken“necessary protective measures” as a result.

A treason investigation was opened in late July after the defence ministry alerted the Paris prosecutor’s office to suspect activity, according to a judicial official.

The Russian Embassy in France did not comment.