By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
French businessman arrested in Baku on spying charges, tied to expulsion of two French diplomats.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 13. In a peculiar turn of events, Martin Ryan, a French businessman, has been apprehended in Baku on allegations of espionage, in a case linked to the expulsion of two French diplomats from Azerbaijan. Jean-Michel Brun, the editor-in-chief of the La Gazette du Caucase online newspaper in Paris, sheds light on the unfolding situation, revealing underlying tensions between the two nations.
The diplomatic row began on December 26 when Azerbaijan expelled two French diplomats, citing activities “incompatible with their status.” In a tit-for-tat response, France declared two Azerbaijani diplomats “persona non grata.” According to Brun, this exchange underscores the strained relations arising from France’s unwavering support for Armenia, particularly Karabakh separatist groups, despite recent efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalize relations.
Brun emphasizes that the tension escalated as France, through its ambassador Anne Boillon, received a firm protest from Azerbaijan regarding alleged inappropriate actions by two French embassy employees. The two diplomats were promptly expelled, with no detailed explanation provided by Azerbaijan.
The plot thickened on December 4 when Martin Ryan, a French national residing in Baku and CEO of the wine trading company Merkorama, was arrested for espionage. Azerbaijani ambassador Leyla Abdullayeva stated that Ryan’s detention had been communicated to the French embassy immediately after the arrest. Notably, Ryan had previously gained attention for an open letter he addressed to the President of the French Republic in May 2023, advocating for a change in France’s policy towards Azerbaijan and denouncing slander against the country.
Reports suggest that Martin Ryan, despite being perceived as a supporter of Azerbaijan, was approached by a French agent from the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE). The agent allegedly manipulated Ryan, who later admitted to being misled. Intriguingly, this French agent was among the diplomats expelled by Azerbaijan. The revelation has sparked discussions on the nuances of intelligence activities carried out by embassies and the delicate balance of diplomacy.
François Heisbourg, a French specialist, commented on the situation, stating, “Intelligence activities by embassies are commonplace and implicitly accepted. The main thing is not to get caught with your hands in the jam pot, which seems to have been the case this time.”
Consular officials from the French embassy in Baku have visited Martin Ryan multiple times since his arrest, assuring that they possess all necessary information on the investigation. Ryan’s father, as reported by AFP, stated that his son is being well-treated and maintains a good relationship with his lawyer.
Jean-Michel Brun concludes by highlighting Paris’s discomfort with Azerbaijan hosting the “Baku Initiative Group,” particularly due to Azerbaijan’s perceived bias in favor of Armenia. As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about the nature of Ryan’s manipulation by French services and the potential ramifications on diplomatic relations between Baku and Paris. The Azerbaijani judiciary continues its investigation, with updates anticipated in the coming days or weeks.