BAKU, July 23 — Explosive new revelations emerged this week during the ongoing trial of Martin Ryan, a French national accused of espionage, and Azerbaijani citizen Azad Mammadli, charged with high treason, in a Baku court.
According to testimony read out during the hearing, Ryan admitted to participating in a series of clandestine meetings involving French embassy staff and Azerbaijani citizens. The proceedings are part of a case handled by Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS).
Secret Diplomacy and Embassy Contacts
Testifying under the chairmanship of Judge Elmin Rustamov, Ryan claimed that multiple secret meetings were held with French diplomats, including Frédéric Devos, Laurent Léoty, and Laurent Gérard. Ryan said these meetings often included Azad Mammadli and were used to discuss sensitive topics such as the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict and regional dynamics.
Court documents revealed that Mammadli allegedly shared information about Azerbaijani students at Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) with French officials. He also reportedly disclosed personal details about an Azerbaijani acquaintance, identified only as “A. Sh.”
Espionage Network Under Scrutiny
Ryan’s phone reportedly contained photographs and chat logs detailing meetings at upscale restaurants in Baku with recently assigned French diplomats and their families. The Baku Francophonie Association — allegedly under the direct supervision of the French embassy — was also mentioned. Ryan claimed it was used as a cover for recruiting Azerbaijani nationals under the guise of cultural activities.
“Some French intelligence officers would approach citizens during these events for confidential conversations,” he stated.
Encrypted Channels and Political Agendas
Ryan described encrypted communications with embassy officials, saying he was instructed by Laurent Léoty to never call from open phone lines. He also recounted Léoty’s tales from his previous posting in Algeria, where local officials would arrive at the French embassy in disguises to hold covert meetings.
The trial further revealed phone conversations between Ryan, Mammadli, and alleged undercover French intelligence operatives. One conversation reportedly revolved around the strategic Zangezur Corridor, with Mammadli expressing a desire for France—not Russia’s FSB—to oversee the route after its potential reopening.
Additional discussions reportedly covered France’s relations with Iran, and tensions between Azerbaijan and both Russia and Iran.
Arrests and Diplomatic Fallout
Ryan, who served as CEO of “Mercorama” LLC in Baku, was arrested on December 4, 2023. Prosecutors allege he was recruited by France’s foreign intelligence agency, the DGSE. Following his arrest, several French diplomats were declared persona non grata and expelled from Azerbaijan.
The scandal reached the highest levels in Paris: Bernard Émié, then-head of DGSE, was dismissed from his position on December 20, days after the network’s exposure.
The trial is set to resume on September 8, with further testimonies and cross-examinations expected.
