What we know about the fiber optic sabotage that caused internet shutdowns

Guillaume Dominguez, edited by Gauthier Delomez 8:08 a.m., April 28, 2022, modified at 9:28 a.m., April 28, 2022 Acts of vandalism on the fiber optic network caused internet connection cuts in several French cities, such as Paris, Lyon , Grenoble or Strasbourg. An investigation has been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office. Justice takes this case very seriously because it would be a large-scale act. For many users, it was almost mission impossible to access the Internet at times in several large French cities, such as Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Reims or even Strasbourg. Its access was severely disrupted on Wednesday after acts of vandalism on the fiber optic network, which caused slowdowns and cuts. An investigation has been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office, and justice takes this case very seriously. It is indeed a large-scale act of vandalism. We can even speak of quasi-surgical sabotage. The cable cuts took place in Seine-et-Marne, Essonne and Meuse almost at the same time, between 3:20 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The criminals went through hidden trapdoors. In fact, the optical fiber is buried in pipes along highways, railways or waterways. But the criminals went through small, well-hidden access hatches to cut the cables clean. This makes the investigators say that the operation was coordinated by teams who knew the network well. , who are leading the investigation. For the time being, the terrorist track is not retained. Moreover, the national anti-terrorism prosecution has announced that it will not take up the investigation. The network was restored on Wednesday at midday.