French authorities have accused Israeli firm BlackCore of conducting digital interference operations in elections across multiple countries, including Scotland and New York City, marking the latest revelation in what appears to be a growing global disinformation campaign.

Marc-Antoine Brillant, who leads Viginum, France’s specialized disinformation detection service, announced the findings at a press conference on Thursday alongside French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The forensic investigation has linked BlackCore to interference operations in several jurisdictions, including Angola and Togo, suggesting a pattern of coordinated digital manipulation spanning continents.

The allegations stem from an expanded probe that initially focused on France’s own electoral processes. Viginum had previously identified BlackCore as the suspected orchestrator behind online smear campaigns targeting three mayoral candidates in French local elections. The candidates, all belonging to a pro-Palestinian political party, were subjected to coordinated attacks on social media platforms designed to damage their reputations and electoral prospects.

Brillant emphasized that the investigation revealed a much broader scope of operations than initially suspected. The company’s tactics were not confined to French municipal elections but appeared to be part of a systematic approach to influencing political outcomes in multiple nations. The methodology remained consistent across different regions, suggesting a well-established playbook for digital interference.

In Scotland, Viginum’s report identified BlackCore-linked accounts specifically targeting John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, who has publicly expressed pro-Palestinian views. The timing and nature of these attacks suggest they were strategically deployed to undermine political figures whose stances aligned with Palestinian interests.

The investigation also uncovered evidence pointing to BlackCore’s involvement in the 2025 New York City municipal elections, though French authorities did not publicly name the specific targets. However, those elections were ultimately won by Zohran Mamdani, a politician known for his support of Palestinian causes, making him a likely focal point of any interference efforts.

Before the allegations surfaced, BlackCore marketed itself openly online as a provider of “information warfare” services to governments and political campaigns. The company’s public-facing materials suggested it operated as a legitimate business offering strategic communication services. Following increased scrutiny, BlackCore scrubbed its online presence, removing websites and social media accounts that had detailed its services.

Brillant noted that despite the comprehensive investigation, French authorities have not determined whether BlackCore was acting on behalf of a specific sponsor or client, or if it operated independently as a commercial entity selling its services to multiple parties. This uncertainty raises questions about accountability and the potential involvement of state actors in orchestrating these campaigns.

Prime Minister Lecornu revealed that the French government has formally approached Israeli authorities seeking explanations for BlackCore’s activities and requesting assistance with the ongoing investigation. The diplomatic outreach underscores the seriousness with which France views these alleged interference operations and the potential strain they could place on bilateral relations.

Israel’s embassy in Paris responded by stating it would use the details provided by the French investigation to launch its own inquiry into BlackCore’s operations. The embassy issued a categorical denial of any government involvement, asserting that Israeli authorities had “of course no intention” of interfering in French elections or those of other nations.

The revelations come at a time of heightened global concern about election security and foreign interference in democratic processes. Digital manipulation campaigns have become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing fake accounts, coordinated messaging, and targeted content to influence public opinion and electoral outcomes. The alleged BlackCore operations fit a pattern that international security experts have warned about for years.

The case highlights the challenges democracies face in protecting electoral integrity in an era where information warfare can be conducted remotely and at scale. As investigations continue, questions remain about the full extent of BlackCore’s operations, who financed them, and what measures can prevent similar interference in future elections worldwide.