French media outlets reported late Tuesday evening that a bag containing a computer and two USB sticks containing sensitive data on the security plan for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris was stolen from Paris’ Gare du Nord train station.
According to BFMTV, the theft occurred on Monday, prompting an employee of the Paris city administration, identified as a 56-year-old engineer, to file a complaint upon discovering the theft of his bag.
The stolen items include a computer and two USB sticks, one of which contains security plans for roads and traffic management during the Olympic Games. The second USB stick reportedly does not contain any security-related data.
The Paris police confirmed that the theft took place between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time. The engineer stated in his complaint that he had placed his bag in a compartment above his seat before realizing it had been stolen.
An investigation into the theft has been launched by the Regional Road Safety Authority (SRT), with video surveillance footage from the Gare du Nord currently being analyzed to identify potential suspects.
In preparation for the Olympic Games scheduled from July 26 to Aug. 11, the city administration plans to deploy nearly 2,000 police officers, with a significant focus on securing the opening ceremony. Notably, the opening ceremony will take place across the French metropolis on boats between the Pont d’Austerlitz and the Pont d’Iena, spanning approximately 6 km (3.72 miles) along the riverbanks.
With expectations of up to half a million spectators along the route, the Paris city council is preparing extensive security measures, including deploying 40,000 police officers and approximately 20,000 private security personnel, alongside military support.