Israeli firm BlackCore suspected of election interference in France, New York, Scotland, and Africa
France's disinformation detection service Viginum announced that Israeli firm BlackCore is suspected of conducting online interference campaigns in multiple countries' elections, including France's 2024 municipal elections, New York City's 2025 mayoral election, and Scotland's elections, as well as operating in Angola and Togo. BlackCore previously targeted three hard-left French candidates with smear campaigns ahead of March municipal elections. The discovery raises concerns about coordinated foreign interference in democratic processes across multiple nations and regions.
French authorities' disinformation detection service Viginum announced on June 11 that Israeli firm BlackCore is suspected of conducting coordinated election interference operations across multiple countries. The firm is confirmed to have targeted three hard-left France Unbowed party (LFI) candidates—Sébastien Delogu, François Piquemal, and David Guiraud—with online smear campaigns ahead of France's March municipal elections. Viginum's investigation subsequently identified BlackCore's involvement in elections in New York City (2025), Scotland, and operations in Angola and Togo. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that France has requested explanations and assistance from Israel regarding BlackCore's activities. However, investigators have not yet identified who commissioned BlackCore to conduct these operations. BlackCore, which described itself as an "elite influence, cyber, and technology company" specializing in "information warfare," has not responded to requests for comment and has scrubbed its online presence following media inquiries.
How coverage differed
The Jerusalem Post (right-leaning) includes editorial framing about the LFI party's positions on taxes and accusations of antisemitism, contextualizing the targeted candidates' political orientation. Channel NewsAsia (center) provides more neutral framing and includes additional details about the New York candidate Zohran Mamdani's pro-Palestinian stance and Scottish First Minister John Swinney's Gaza statements without editorial commentary, presenting these as factual context rather than criticism.
What different sources said
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Israeli firm BlackCore suspected of meddling in New York and Scotland votes, France says
- The Jerusalem PostRight
Israeli firm BlackCore also suspected of meddling in NYC, Scotland votes, French official says
- The Straits TimesCenter
Israeli firm BlackCore suspected of meddling in New York and Scotland votes, France says
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