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Russian-linked disinformation network exploits Epstein files to target Western leaders
A sophisticated Kremlin-linked bot network dubbed “Matryoshka” has launched an extensive disinformation campaign following the U.S. Justice Department’s release of new Jeffrey Epstein case documents, according to research shared with The Insider by the Bot Blocker project.
The operation has flooded social media with fabricated content designed to appear as if published by major Western news outlets. These falsified reports primarily target European leaders, especially French President Emmanuel Macron, while attempting to connect Ukraine to Epstein’s criminal activities.
Researchers identified numerous fabricated videos and posts spreading false narratives. One bogus claim suggested Ukrainian children became central to Epstein’s operations after the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, falsely alleging President Volodymyr Zelensky’s awareness of these activities. Another fabrication claimed actress Catherine O’Hara, who died on January 30, had accused Macron of protecting a “lobby of perverts” before her death.
The campaign also created fake content purporting to be from respected news organizations like France 24, RFI, Al Jazeera, and Reuters. These fabrications included claims that information about French officials’ ties to Epstein was deliberately removed from released documents under an agreement between Macron and Donald Trump, and that New Caledonia had become a “new Epstein island” with fabricated figures of visits by Bill Gates and Prince Andrew.
The disinformation operation extended to creating fake newspaper covers of major French publications. A counterfeit La Croix cover claimed the Élysée Palace refused to comment on Macron’s alleged visits to Epstein’s island, while falsified covers of Le Parisien and Libération dated February 2, 2026, alleged Macron visited Epstein’s island 18 times during his tenure as France’s Minister of Economics and Finance.
The Insider verified that none of the videos or reports had actually been published by the news outlets they were attributed to. While The Insider obtained links to the original posts and evidence confirming the accounts’ connection to the Matryoshka network, they chose not to publish these links to avoid further spreading disinformation.
This campaign follows the January 30, 2026 release by the U.S. Justice Department of over 3 million pages of documents, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos related to Epstein investigations. This marked the completion of disclosure required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed by Congress in November 2025, though some lawmakers have questioned whether all relevant materials have been released, noting that approximately 6 million pages were initially identified.
The released materials include Epstein’s correspondence with former White House advisers, prominent billionaires including Bill Gates and Elon Musk, and former president Bill Clinton, with Donald Trump’s name appearing repeatedly. Documents also detail Epstein’s relationships with former Prince Andrew, ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon, and other influential figures.
Epstein died by suicide in August 2019 while awaiting trial in a New York jail.
Intelligence experts describe “Matryoshka” as a layered Russian disinformation operation utilizing networks of bots, “trolls,” and anonymous media outlets to spread fake content, create artificial information waves, and manipulate public opinion globally. The Bot Blocker project named the operation after Russian nesting dolls, reflecting how each layer of the operation conceals another, with multiple tiers of bots masking others and disinformation circulating across various platforms.
The operation’s core components include creating numerous bot accounts styled as legitimate users, research initiatives, and independent regional media, which generate dozens or hundreds of posts daily while mimicking local language and context. These accounts coordinate to spread fabricated stories across multiple platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, Bluesky, and private chat groups, often using logos of respected Western media outlets or human rights organizations to appear credible.
This campaign represents a significant escalation in the use of high-profile international news events as vectors for targeted disinformation against Western democratic institutions and leadership.
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13 Comments
The alleged Russian disinformation campaign using Epstein-themed false claims is a stark reminder of the information warfare tactics employed by some state actors. While I’m skeptical of the claims, if true, it underscores the need for robust fact-checking and media literacy efforts to counter such malign influence operations.
Disinformation campaigns that leverage high-profile criminal cases are particularly insidious, as they can sow confusion and erode public trust. While I’m skeptical of the claims, if true, this alleged Russian operation targeting Ukraine and France underscores the need for robust fact-checking and media literacy efforts to counter such malign influence.
I agree. The sophistication and scale of these state-sponsored disinformation campaigns are concerning. Rigorous analysis and exposure of fabricated narratives will be crucial to maintaining an informed public discourse on sensitive issues.
Exploiting high-profile criminal cases for geopolitical gain through disinformation is a concerning trend. I’m curious to learn more about the specific tactics and reach of this alleged Russian campaign targeting Ukraine and France. Fact-based reporting and analysis will be important to expose and debunk any fabricated narratives.
Agreed. Maintaining vigilance against state-sponsored disinformation is crucial, especially when sensitive issues like high-profile criminal cases are involved. Rigorous fact-checking and media literacy efforts will be key to countering these malign influence operations.
Exploiting the Epstein case for geopolitical propaganda is a concerning development, if the allegations of a Russian disinformation campaign are accurate. I’m curious to learn more about the specific tactics employed and the reach of these fabricated narratives targeting European leaders. Fact-based reporting will be essential to countering such malign influence operations.
It’s concerning to see Russia allegedly targeting European leaders with fabricated Epstein-related claims. This kind of coordinated disinformation effort can have real impacts on public discourse and geopolitics. I hope fact-checkers and researchers are able to effectively expose and debunk these false narratives.
I agree, the scale and sophistication of these campaigns is quite worrying. Staying vigilant and combating disinformation effectively is crucial, especially when it involves sensitive topics like high-profile criminal cases.
The report of a Russian disinformation campaign using Epstein-themed false claims is troubling, if accurate. I hope researchers and journalists can thoroughly investigate the tactics and scope of this alleged operation to better understand how state actors may be exploiting such sensitive topics for geopolitical gain.
Interesting to see Russia allegedly exploiting the Epstein case for propaganda. Disinformation campaigns can be quite sophisticated these days, leveraging social media to spread false narratives. I’m curious to learn more about the tactics and reach of this particular operation.
You raise a good point. Monitoring and countering state-sponsored disinformation is an ongoing challenge, especially as the tactics continue to evolve.
The report of a Russian-linked disinformation network using Epstein-themed false claims against Ukraine and France is troubling, if true. I hope researchers can thoroughly investigate the scope and tactics of this alleged operation to better understand how state actors may be weaponizing high-profile criminal cases for geopolitical gain. Robust fact-checking and media literacy will be crucial to exposing and debunking any fabricated narratives.
Agreed. Disinformation campaigns that exploit sensitive criminal cases can have serious consequences for public discourse and geopolitics. Rigorous analysis and transparency around these tactics will be essential to countering their malign influence.