France opens investigation into extremist threats against foreign delivery drivers
French authorities have opened a criminal investigation into extremist calls to murder foreign delivery drivers and have asked food‑delivery platforms to introduce concrete protection measures. The probe follows online threats reported in late October 2026 and targets drivers, many of whom are undocumented, working for services such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Criminal investigation launched and platforms urged to add safety measures
- Timing
- Investigation announced after threats posted in October 2026
- Who is affected
- Foreign delivery drivers in France and the food‑delivery platforms they work for
The details
- Announced by
- Paris prosecutor’s office
- New rule
- A formal inquiry into public incitement to racial hatred and violence has been opened, and the Labour Minister has requested platforms to specify protective actions.
Background and extremist incitement
A chatroom on X circulated messages calling for the assault and murder of people of colour who work as food‑delivery drivers. The messages included threats of poisoning, gunfire and other violent acts, prompting a lawmaker to forward the content to the Paris public prosecutor.
- Calls targeted drivers delivering to remote locations
- Messages referenced anti‑fascist groups and nationalist rhetoric
Legal response and investigation
Paris prosecutor’s office opened an inquiry into "public incitement to racial hatred or violence" and "direct incitement to commit an act of terrorism". Labour Minister Jean‑Pierre Farandou publicly condemned the content and demanded that delivery platforms present concrete safety plans.
- Investigation covers hate speech, terrorism‑related incitement, and threats to personal safety
- Authorities may pursue charges for encouraging attacks on a person’s life or physical integrity
Platform and municipal measures
Uber and Deliveroo issued statements expressing shock and said they have warned drivers and sent notices reminding them they can refuse orders if threatened. The Maison des Coursiers and the FO INV union have created mutual‑aid channels, including a Telegram alert group that shares geolocation data when a driver feels unsafe.
- Deliveroo offers a dedicated hotline for reporting assaults and possible legal referral
- Paris deputy mayor Barbara Gomes asked platforms to allow order cancellations without penalty and to block suspicious orders
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning to use food‑delivery services in France should expect platforms to communicate new safety guidelines soon
- No change to entry or visa requirements for visitors; the development concerns only delivery workers
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation are required for tourists or visitors as a result of the investigation
- Delivery drivers may need to keep records of incidents, such as screenshots, for possible legal follow‑up
What you need to do
- Drivers should monitor communications from Uber, Deliveroo and local support groups for updated safety procedures
- Anyone witnessing a threat should report it to the Paris police or the dedicated driver hotlines mentioned by platforms
Who this affects
-
Undocumented foreign delivery drivers in France
They are the primary targets of the extremist messages and face heightened risk of reporting assaults
What to do They are encouraged to use the emergency hotline and may seek legal support through the mutual‑aid network
-
Documented delivery drivers employed by Uber Eats or Deliveroo
Platforms have been asked to allow order refusals without penalty and to provide safety contacts
What to do Drivers should follow platform notices on how to refuse risky orders and contact the provided support line
-
Food‑delivery platforms operating in France
The Labour Minister requested concrete protection measures for their drivers
What to do Platforms must outline and implement safety protocols, including order‑blocking tools and driver‑alert systems
-
Paris municipal authorities
Deputy mayor Barbara Gomes has written to platforms demanding protective actions
What to do City officials will monitor platform responses and may issue further directives to prefectures
-
Paris public prosecutor’s office
It is conducting the criminal investigation into the incitement messages
What to do Prosecutors will pursue charges against individuals responsible for the hate‑filled calls
Frequently asked questions
What is the French investigation about delivery drivers?
The investigation examines public incitement to racial hatred and violence after extremist messages called for the murder of foreign delivery drivers. Authorities are probing hate speech, terrorism‑related incitement and threats to personal safety.
Which platforms are being asked to protect drivers?
Uber Eats and Deliveroo have been specifically mentioned by the Labour Minister and city officials. Both companies said they warned drivers and reminded them they can refuse dangerous orders.
Can delivery drivers in France report assaults without losing their job?
Deliveroo says drivers can contact a dedicated service to record incidents and may be referred to legal and psychological support, but concerns remain about possible penalties from platforms for refusing orders.
Will the investigation affect tourists using food‑delivery apps?
No direct impact on tourists is indicated. The probe focuses on driver safety and platform responsibilities, not on entry or visa rules for visitors.
What support exists for undocumented drivers facing threats?
The Maison des Coursiers and the FO INV union have set up mutual‑aid networks, including a Telegram alert group that shares geolocation data and offers emergency contacts for drivers who feel unsafe.
What legal actions can be taken against the extremist messages?
The Paris prosecutor’s office can pursue charges for public incitement to racial hatred, terrorism‑related incitement, and intentional attacks on a person’s life or physical integrity.
