The trial opened in Paris for Rémy Daillet, a former centrist politician accused of leading a clandestine far‑right network that prosecutors say planned a coup — dubbed "Operation Azur" — to seize the Élysée and other strategic sites. Authorities allege the group recruited about 300 supporters, tested members by sabotaging 5G and vaccine infrastructure, and carried out the 2021 abduction of eight‑year‑old Mia Montemaggi. Daillet and 14 co‑defendants face terrorism‑related and child‑abduction charges; they deny the accusations. The case is scheduled to run until 9 October and has drawn attention for its alleged QAnon influence and shift from online conspiracy to real‑world operations.
Rémy Daillet on Trial Over Alleged Far‑Right Plot To Seize the Élysée
Rémy Daillet has claimed to have a hotline to Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin - Remy Gabalda/AFP via Getty Images
A high-profile trial opened in Paris as former centrist politician Rémy Daillet, 60, faces allegations that he organized a clandestine far‑right network planning to seize the Élysée Palace and other strategic sites in an operation prosecutors call "Operation Azur." The indictment accuses him of recruiting ex‑soldiers, far‑right activists, conspiracy adherents and civilians — and of moving from online rhetoric to real‑world action.
Allegations: A Blueprint for a Coup
Prosecutors say the network devised a staged assault on Paris involving armed columns, diversionary incendiary and smoke attacks by so‑called "Grenadiers," and assault teams that would push toward the presidential palace. The plan allegedly included seizing parliament and media outlets to broadcast the uprising. Investigators describe an organized structure with civilian and military branches and regional cells, claiming the group numbered roughly 300 supporters with 36 regional "captains."
Rémy Daillet at a court hearing after his 2021 arrest - AFP via Getty Images
From Sabotage Tests to Kidnap
According to the case file, recruits were reportedly "tested" by being tasked with sabotaging 5G antennas, vaccination centres and vaccine storage depots — targets consistent with Covid‑era conspiracy narratives. Prosecutors say the conspiracy also planned attacks on Masonic lodges and discussed prominent public figures as potential targets.
In April 2021, members of the alleged network are accused of abducting eight‑year‑old Mia Montemaggi from her grandmother using forged documents and men posing as social workers. Authorities say the abduction was treated as a "military‑type operation" intended to return children believed to have been wrongly removed by the state; Mia was found five days later in a squat in Switzerland.
Nicolas Heitz, the French public prosecutor, holds a photograph of the missing child after she was taken, 2021 - Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images
Charges, Defendants and Potential Penalties
Daillet is one of 15 defendants charged with participating in a criminal conspiracy to prepare acts of terrorism and complicity in the unlawful removal of a child. The terrorism‑related conspiracy charge carries up to 10 years in prison. All defendants deny the accusations and have pleaded not guilty.
Profiles, Motives and Influence
Once a local official in François Bayrou's MoDem party, Daillet was expelled in 2010 and later relocated to Malaysia, where he built a following during the Covid pandemic. France's domestic intelligence service (DGSI) described him as "charismatic, intelligent and manipulative," with a strong online influence shaped by QAnon‑style narratives. Experts say the social turmoil of the Yellow Vest movement and the pandemic helped create fertile ground for recruitment.
The house belonging to Mia Montemaggi's grandmother in the Vosges, in eastern France - Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images
"It is obvious that we will have to force our way through … until the point when the adversary may open fire. At that point, our assault troops have full licence to return fire," prosecutors cite from a message attributed to the network.
Responses From Defense and Analysts
Daillet's lawyer says his client was exercising political speech and that not every statement should be taken literally. Independent analysts and conspiracy researchers note clear QAnon influences and warn that the group moved from virtual extremism into operational acts, citing the Mia abduction as a turning point.
Trial Schedule and Context
The trial opened in Paris and is expected to continue until 9 October. Prosecutors assert the existence of a terrorist enterprise has been established with certainty; defendants dispute that characterization and say they are being prosecuted for political expression.
Key Figures Mentioned
- Rémy Daillet: Former centrist official turned conspiracy figure, accused ringleader.
- Christophe M.: Alleged former army lieutenant‑colonel recruited as regional organizer.
- Mia Montemaggi: Eight‑year‑old child abducted in April 2021 and later recovered.
Note: The account above summarizes allegations and reported facts from the public court case; defendants deny the charges and the trial will consider evidence and testimony before any final judgments are reached.
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