Authorities uncover disinformation attack on Macron

French authorities have uncovered a pro-Russian disinformation campaign that sought to falsely link President Emmanuel Macron to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to a government source, the operation used methods known from the Storm-1516 group, which US authorities link to the spread of disinformation during the 2024 US presidential election.

The campaign used fake emails designed to give the impression that they came from an alleged new release of documents by the US Department of Justice.

The disinformation first appeared on a website posing as the French daily France-Soir, from where it was then spread via a video on social network X. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the content as false and misleading.

Although the fake page was taken down after a complaint, the video remained available. France has long warned of Russia's efforts to discredit Macron and destabilize European countries, which Moscow denies.

(reuters, mja)