Monsanto representative Jakob Witten told Reuters that investigators"strongly suspect it was a crime as no electrical or other sources were found."He added that "No Monsanto sites in Europe have so far been the victim of fires of criminal origin, this is unprecedented violence."

The fire had multiple points of origin, meaning it is unlikely the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction or other natural causes. Investigators also noticed a strong smell of gasoline in different areas of the site.

France announced in June that it was banning sales of Roundup, Monsanto's flagship herbicide, amid public pressure and the World Health Organization's announcement that the product is probably carcinogenic.