French spies listen in to British calls

Sunday Times, 27 januari 2000

 James Clark, Home Affairs Correspondent

 FRENCH intelligence is intercepting British businessmen's  calls after investing millions in satellite technology for its  listening stations.

 The French government upgraded signals intelligence last year.  Now secret service elements are using it to tap into
 commercial secrets. At least eight centres, scattered across  France, are being "aimed" at British defence firms, petroleum  companies and other commercial targets.

 Eavesdroppers can "pluck" GSM digital mobile phone signals  from the air by targeting individual numbers or sweeping sets  of numbers. Targets have included executives at British  Aerospace, British Petroleum and British Airways, according  to French sources.

 Senior executives have been told not to discuss sensitive issues  on mobile phones, and BAe staff have been told to be
 "especially careful" during campaigns for new business, such  as the current battle to supply Eurofighter missiles.