According to the prosecution, Martin Ryan, a French citizen and CEO of the company Merkorama, who was arrested on December 4, 2023, is accused of espionage. Acting under the directives of the French intelligence agency DGSE, he allegedly gathered classified information on Azerbaijan’s military and diplomatic affairs. Ryan’s assignments included collecting data on Azerbaijan’s weapons production, military cooperation plans with countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, and China, relationships with Central Asian states, and organizing covert financial transfers through Azerbaijan to other countries.
Ryan also cultivated personal relationships with staff from foreign embassies in Azerbaijan, leveraging them to pass information to French intelligence. Additionally, he facilitated meetings between Azerbaijani citizen Azad Mammadli and DGSE representatives, promising Mammadli foreign citizenship in exchange for carrying out espionage tasks. These meetings reportedly took place in Mammadli’s rented apartment in Baku’s Sabail district as well as nearby restaurants.
During the court session, presided over by Judge Elmin Rustamov, Ryan was provided with legal representation and an interpreter. Media representatives and officials from foreign embassies were also present. The accused partially admitted guilt, claiming to have evidence to support his defense.
If the charges are proven, Martin Ryan and Azad Mammadli face sentences ranging from 12 to 20 years in prison. The next hearing is scheduled for February 19, during which the defendants will present their testimonies.
