A series of fake bomb threats have been reported in France, the third consecutive day of evacuations caused by false warnings that have sparked calls for action against the senders.
Several regional airports, schools, landmarks and even a nuclear research institute have been involved.
French authorities have been grappling with the surge of false alarms, which has led to considerable strain on their security services and caused widespread distress and disruption of daily life.
A 16-year-old was arrested over a bomb hoax outside Paris, over a bomb threat emailed to his school, police sources said.
Regional airports such as Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille, and Montpellier have been hit hard by the threats, which have caused substantial delays.
Landmarks such as the Palace of Versailles and a nuclear research facility in Grenoble have also been targeted.
Despite a multitude of threats, no explosives have been discovered at any of the locations.
Paris airport operator ADP confirmed that major Parisian airports, including Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly, were not affected by the threats.
French Transport Minister Clement Beaune said that false threats were made against 17 airports on Wednesday, causing the evacuation of 15 airports, cancellation of 130 flights and many delays.
He emphasised the seriousness of these actions, categorising the false alerts as crimes, not merely bad jokes.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin voiced concern over the barrage of hoaxes, stressing that they posed substantial risks.
False threats “disorganise our security services and obviously stop society from functioning and pose an enormous risk in case of a [real] problem”, he said.
Throughout this chaotic period, 18 individuals, primarily minors, have been detained and accused of being associated with the hoaxes.
A 16-year-old was apprehended following a bomb threat directed at a school, resulting in the evacuation of about 1,200 people.
Mr Darmanin said substantial resources were being wasted in tracing and identifying those responsible for the threats.
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said those behind the false alarms, referred to as “little jokers,” would face stringent legal action, emphasising the severity and the potential consequences of their actions.
Anyone found guilty of carrying out such threats can face up to three years in prison and fines up to €45,000 in France.
Parents of minor offenders could be held financially accountable for the resulting damages.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau specified that bomb threats would be treated as a form of premeditated “psychological violence”, warranting severe legal penalties.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
25%20Days%20to%20Aden
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Michael%20Knights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20256%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2026%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
