Viginum Links Israeli Firm BlackCore to Global Election Interference

A shadow campaign targeting French politicians has exposed a wider network of digital manipulation, with France’s disinformation agency, Viginum, identifying Israeli firm BlackCore as the architect behind smear operations spanning from New York to Scotland and across parts of Africa.

Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant confirmed that the firm, which previously marketed itself as an information warfare specialist, orchestrated attacks against France Unbowed candidates during the March elections. Investigators traced these activities beyond domestic borders, uncovering similar patterns of interference in Scottish Parliament cycles and New York City contests. While the specific targets in New York remain undisclosed, the campaign in Scotland explicitly focused on First Minister John Swinney following his public criticisms of the conflict in Gaza.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has formally demanded an explanation from Israel, seeking both clarification and cooperation in identifying the entities funding these operations. In response, the Israeli embassy in Paris confirmed receipt of the inquiry and pledged an internal investigation, asserting that the state maintains a policy of non-interference in French political affairs. BlackCore has remained silent, failing to address multiple requests for comment regarding its role in these global influence campaigns.