Espionage trial in Baku: French diplomatic gifts suspected of hiding "bugs"

The Baku Court for Serious Crimes is continuing hearings in the criminal case against Martin Ryan, accused of spying for France, and Azad Mammadli, charged with treason.

Under Judge Elmin Rustamov, the court reviewed testimony from Mammadli given during the preliminary investigation, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Mammadli told investigators that he had communicated with French embassy official Frédéric Devaux and arranged a meeting, although he could not recall its purpose. He also sent Devaux his CV, with Devaux promising to assist him in finding employment at a French company.

In correspondence with Mammadli, Ryan mentioned that his keyboard was broken and that embassy staff member Laurent Lodi had gifted him a keyboard and mouse. Lodi reportedly noted that the embassy had a surplus of unused technical equipment.

Following the gift, Mammadli said he became paranoid, suspecting the devices might contain listening bugs or hidden cameras. He concluded that the French diplomats saw them not as friends but as a potential source of intelligence.

“We are different from others. We are aware of Azerbaijan’s geopolitical position and can analyse and relay this knowledge to others,” Mammadli wrote in his messages.

Ryan also told Mammadli that he suspected his home was being bugged and advised consulting a specialist. Mammadli replied that even covert recordings of such conversations could constitute treason.

In another conversation, Ryan claimed that French intelligence officer Laurent Grard might have attempted to obtain information on counter-terrorism activities in Karabakh via the encrypted messaging app Signal.

The pair also discussed Azerbaijan’s relations with Iran and the United States, potential implications of USAID’s closure in the country, and concerns about being monitored by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan.

The court also heard the full testimony of Mammadli. The next hearing is scheduled for October 24.

By Aghakazim Guliyev