DGSE

The DGSE, France's external intelligence agency, is indirectly implicated in a major criminal trial involving a masonic lodge named Athanor. Twenty-two individuals, including former DGSE agents, soldiers, and businessmen, are on trial for charges including murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and criminal conspiracy. The case centers around allegations that the Athanor lodge operated a hit squad responsible for the death of pilot Laurent Pasquali in 2019, whose body was found after disappearing in 2018. The trial, which began recently, has brought to light a potentially extensive criminal network allegedly connected to the lodge, leading to the downfall of several DGSE agents. The case is significant due to the involvement of individuals with ties to French intelligence and the serious nature of the crimes, raising concerns about corruption and the potential abuse of power within and around such organizations.