Full Breakdown
French Agency Accuses Israeli Firm BlackCore of Targeting Scottish Election
6/12/2026, 9:43:16 PM
Alleged Digital Interference in Scotland’s Parliamentary Vote
France’s cyber-security agency Viginum released a report that attributes a coordinated online operation to Israeli firm BlackCore. Between 6 January and 8 May 2024, the firm allegedly used at least 256 proxy accounts on X to post roughly 1,400 comments aimed at First Minister John Swinney (652 mentions), the Scottish National Party (338) and the Scottish government (112).
Wider Allegations Across France, New York, Angola and Togo
Viginum also links BlackCore to a smear campaign against three France Unbowed (LFI) mayoral candidates in France’s March municipal elections, to interference in the 2025 New York mayoral race won by Zohran Mamdani, and to operations in Angola and Togo. The firm markets itself as an elite influence and cyber-technology company for information warfare.
Key Parties
Key parties are BlackCore, Viginum (Marc-Antoine Brillant), French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Scottish First Minister John Swinney, and the Israeli embassy in Paris.
Scale of the Campaign
The operation used 256 accounts, posted about 1,400 comments, and targeted Swinney (652), the SNP (338) and the Scottish government (112).
Implications for Democratic Processes
The case shows how foreign actors can shape online discourse during elections, threatening democratic confidence.
Official Statements and Responses
Lecornu warned that France’s 2027 presidential vote could face interference and said France has asked Israel for explanations and to identify any sponsors. The Israeli embassy confirmed and reiterated that Israel “has no intention to interfere in the French political process.” BlackCore’s website was taken down after Reuters inquiries; the firm has not replied.
Criticism and Calls for Action
Swinney called online disinformation a “real and present threat” to democracy and urged the UK to prioritize counter-measures.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Viginum could not identify who commissioned BlackCore, leaving the sponsor unknown. Scottish, New York, Angolan and Togolese officials have not commented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is clear that orchestrated disinformation campaigns and foreign election interference are issues which need to be taken seriously,” — John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland
- “Urgent steps need to be taken to counter the threat of foreign online political interference and ensure that our democratic processes are not undermined in this way.” — John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland
- “Our investigations did not make it possible to identify the sponsor or sponsors, if indeed they exist, behind this foreign digital interference,” — Marc-Antoine Brillant, Head of Viginum
- “I do not doubt for a single instant that if a French private group, from French soil moreover, had engaged in foreign digital interference in Israel, they would have done the same to its ambassador on site,” — Sébastien Lecornu, French Prime Minister
What’s Next
France is seeking clarification from Israel while Viginum continues technical analysis of the identified accounts. UK authorities are expected to expand inquiries into foreign-state interference, and the French government has signaled readiness to act if sponsor evidence emerges.
