BlackCore Interference Allegations Expand Beyond France

France’s disinformation detection service has alleged that Israeli firm BlackCore may have carried out digital interference operations in several countries, extending beyond its suspected involvement in France’s municipal elections earlier this year.

Speaking alongside French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Thursday, Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant said investigators had linked the company to a broader pattern of online influence campaigns. According to Viginum, the same methods detected during the French municipal elections appear to have been deployed in other regions, including Angola, Togo, Scotland and New York City.

The allegations follow reports that French authorities suspect BlackCore was behind an online smear campaign targeting three mayoral candidates from the hard-left, pro-Palestinian France Unbowed (LFI) party during local elections in France.

Viginum Details International Findings

Brillant said technical investigations had enabled French authorities to identify BlackCore as a key actor in the suspected operations. Viginum later presented a report outlining what it described as the firm’s activities across multiple countries.

He stated that the methods observed in France were not confined to municipal elections. Instead, investigators believe similar tactics may have been used in foreign digital interference campaigns elsewhere, including during elections in Scotland and New York City.

However, French authorities have not determined who may have directed or financed the alleged activities. Brillant said the investigation had not identified any sponsor behind the suspected interference campaign in France.

France Seeks Answers From Israel

Lecornu said the French government had formally requested explanations from Israel regarding BlackCore’s activities. In addition, France has sought assistance in identifying any individuals or organisations that may have commissioned the alleged smear campaign.

He noted that France expected cooperation in the matter and suggested that Israel would likely take a similar approach if a French company were suspected of interfering in Israeli political affairs.

Israel’s embassy in Paris confirmed that French authorities had made contact. The embassy said it was awaiting additional information from the French investigation before conducting its own review.

In a statement, the embassy stressed that Israel had no intention of interfering in French political processes, whether at national or municipal level.

Concerns Raised Over Scotland And New York

Brillant did not specify which candidates or groups were targeted during the New York City election won by Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani’s victory generated strong reactions among different sections of New York’s electorate due to his outspoken support for the Palestinian cause.

Officials connected to the election, including local authorities and security agencies, did not immediately comment on the allegations.

Viginum’s report also identified BlackCore-linked accounts that allegedly targeted John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister. Swinney described reports of attempted interference in Scottish parliamentary elections as deeply concerning. He urged the British government to place greater emphasis on combating hostile online interference, citing its responsibility for national security.

BlackCore’s Previous Public Profile

Before removing much of its online presence following enquiries from Reuters, BlackCore described itself as a company specialising in influence operations, cyber capabilities and technology services. The firm claimed to provide governments and political campaigns with advanced strategies, tools and security measures designed to shape public narratives.

BlackCore has not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding the allegations.

With inputs from Reuters