Paul Barril, GIGN co-founder, dies at 80

Paul Barril, a former gendarmerie officer and co-founder of the elite GIGN unit, has died at the age of 80. Born in 1946 in Vinay, France, Barril was a key figure in the creation of the Groupe d’intervention de la gendarmerie nationale in 1974, serving as the unit's number two under Christian Prouteau.

His career was marked by both tactical expertise and significant controversy. He was involved in several high-profile incidents during the Mitterrand era, including the ‘Irlandais de Vincennes’ case, which involved irregularities during the arrest of three Irish nationals, and illegal wiretapping scandals at the Elysée Palace. Following his time with the GIGN, Barril transitioned into private security, providing protection for high-profile individuals and advising various heads of state, particularly in Africa and Rwanda.

In his later years, Barril battled Parkinson's disease and thyroid cancer. In 2014, his medical treatments led to a period of confusion that resulted in a police intervention at his home after he was reported to be ‘entrenched and armed’.