The Israeli company BlackCore is suspected of interfering in elections in several countries around the world
Viginum, a French agency dedicated to combating disinformation, has alleged that the Israeli company BlackCore may have been involved in digital interference operations targeting electoral processes in various countries. Campaigns in France, the United States, Scotland, Angola, and Togo are under suspicion.
BlackCore may have conducted information operations and influence campaigns during elections in a number of countries, including the 2025 municipal elections in New York and political processes in Scotland.
Earlier, French investigators also expressed suspicions regarding the company’s possible involvement in a campaign to discredit three candidates from the left-wing party “Unbowed France” during local elections in March.
At the same time, it has not yet been possible to identify the specific clients behind such information operations.
“Our investigations have not allowed us to identify the client or clients, if they exist at all,” Briyan noted.
Viginum reported that activity from accounts linked to BlackCore was recorded during the election process in New York. However, French experts did not specify exactly who the disinformation attacks were directed against.
The agency also detected activity from accounts that targeted Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, known for his criticism of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.
In light of the investigation, the French government sent an official request to Israel, demanding explanations regarding BlackCore’s activities and assistance in identifying the possible sponsors of the disinformation campaigns.
The Israeli Embassy in France confirmed receipt of the request and emphasized that the state has no intention of interfering in France’s internal political processes.
The diplomatic mission stated:
“Israel has no intention of interfering in the French political process.”
Prior to removing its online resources, BlackCore positioned itself as an organization specializing in cybersecurity, information operations, and influence campaigns.
In public descriptions, the company called itself an “elite firm in the field of influence, cybersecurity, and information warfare” that provides governments and political campaigns with tools for “shaping narratives.”
The company did not publicly respond to journalists’ inquiries.
The story surrounding BlackCore emerged amid growing concerns in Western countries about foreign interference in electoral processes.
According to Western media reports, in early June, the Pentagon raised the counterintelligence threat level to the highest possible due to fears of increased Israeli intelligence activity targeting U.S. officials.
French experts are currently continuing their investigation into possible influence operations linked to BlackCore and are attempting to identify the individuals or organizations that may be behind such campaigns.
This was reported by Viginum CEO Marc-Antoine Brillant during a press conference in Paris, according to Reuters.
Earlier, the “Dossier” center published internal documents from Russian political strategists who, according to the investigation, are working with several candidates in Armenia. Their goal is to weaken incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has pursued a course of rapprochement with the EU.
U.S. Ambassador to the EU Andrew Puzder stated that President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are not interfering in the Hungarian elections, despite their open support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
