Ryan, who founded a small company called Merkorama, was involved in import-export activities, particularly trading in wine, and had not been noted for any political activity.
However, representatives of the French intelligence services reportedly involved him against his will in gathering and transmitting information about third countries. L’Opinion notes that Ryan had warm, even friendly relations with two embassy staff members, “Frederic” and “Laurent,” and after their departure from Baku in 2023, “Laurent’s” replacement, “Andre,” requested a meeting. During this meeting, Andre allegedly inquired too eagerly about political issues.
Journalists note that in such an atmosphere of mutual distrust, Martin became convinced that “the embassy staff were trying to make him a pawn in their dangerous game.” The Azerbaijani special services wanted to question two diplomats, including “Andre,” as witnesses. However, faced with their refusal, they were expelled from the country.
