Break-in at Alpine factory raises concerns about espionage

      "There were no employees present on site at that time."

      French authorities are probing a perplexing break-in at Alpine’s Viry-Chatillon facility, amid increasing suspicion that the incident may have been a case of industrial espionage. The unusual intrusion, first reported by Le Parisien, took place late on Monday night around 10 PM, when two unidentified individuals gained entry by breaking a window.

      As per police sources cited by French media, the intruders proceeded directly upstairs toward the management and executive offices, forcing open several internal doors before exiting the building only a few minutes later. Importantly, it appears that nothing was taken.

      "Nothing was stolen. Everything is fine. There were no employees present on site at that time," a source close to Alpine informed Le Parisien. The Evry public prosecutor confirmed that an investigation is currently in progress. Security footage and fingerprints are being examined, but no arrests have been made as of now.

      With theft ruled out, Le Parisien noted: "All other possibilities are being explored, including industrial espionage." L’Equipe pointed out the unusual timing and location: the historic Viry site is no longer involved in designing Alpine’s F1 power units, as the team will be using customer Mercedes engines starting in 2026. Many of the engine staff have already moved to other locations, including Ferrari.

      French media also noted that the intruders seemed to know precisely where they were headed, going directly to the senior offices before quickly exiting through a side door. Alpine has not made any public statements beyond confirming the occurrence of the incident.