Russia has arrested a French citizen working for a Geneva-based conflict mediation organisation, accusing him of gathering information about the military and failing to register as a "foreign agent".

Russia's state Investigative Committee stated that the man was suspected of purposefully collecting military information that could threaten the state's security.

The committee released a video showing the man being detained in central Moscow. Although his identity was not disclosed, reports identified him as Laurent Vinatier.

Vinatier's lawyer confirmed that he has been charged with violating Russia's foreign agent law. The Investigative Committee accused him of collecting military data that could harm Russia's interests.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) expressed concern over Vinatier's arrest and is working to secure his release.

French President Emmanuel Macron denied Vinatier's ties to the French government, attributing his arrest to Moscow's disinformation campaign.

Under Russian law, individuals receiving foreign support must register as foreign agents. HD, founded by Kofi Annan, focuses on mediating armed conflicts globally.

Arrests for espionage have risen in Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested for attempting to obtain military secrets. Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist, faces charges for failing to register as a foreign agent.

Vinatier has been an advisor to HD's Eurasia/Russia Programme since 2014. He has extensive research experience in Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

The arrest underscores the risks of academic research in Russia, according to colleagues. The timing coincided with France hosting D-Day anniversary events.

Tensions between Moscow and Paris have heightened over discussions on deploying soldiers in Ukraine.