Renault worker arrested, accused of fake spy claim

[March 14, 2011]  PARIS (AP) -- Paris prosecutors say a Renault security agent has been arrested and accused of inventing claims of industrial espionage against the carmaker that drew nationwide attention.

The prosecutors say preliminary charges for "organized fraud" have been filed against the Renault employee.

The agent, whose name was not released, has been placed in detention pending further investigation.

Renault suspended three executives and filed a criminal complaint earlier this year after saying it had discovered signs of industrial espionage. Investigators could not verify the discovery, and their focus shifted to a possible scam.

The security agent was detained at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport as he tried to board a flight for Africa.

[Associated Press]

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