French carmaker Renault has filed a criminal complaint with the Paris prosecutor to investigate claims of industrial espionage in its electric car division.

Three executives have been suspended while the allegations are investigated. Renault now wants French police to start digging too.

The complaint is made against "persons unknown" for: "industrial espionage, corruption, breach of trust, theft and concealment".

A spokesman for Renault told Reuters the company suspected a private company in a foreign country. China got its defence in first – Foreign Minister Hong Lei has already denied any involvement.

The spies reportedly targeted Renault's battery technology – the company is working with Nissan all-electric vehicles. ®

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