French authorities are investigating whether a shadowy Israeli firm called BlackCore was involved in a foreign interference campaign targeting candidates from the hard-left party France Unbowed ahead of March municipal elections. The alleged operation included deceptive websites, fake social media accounts and disparaging digital advertisements accusing three candidates of criminal or sexual misconduct.

Intelligence services are examining who may have commissioned the campaign, while prosecutors and the government’s disinformation monitoring service have declined to comment. BlackCore, which described itself online as an influence and cyber company specializing in information warfare, has since taken down its website and social media pages. Reuters was unable to confirm the company’s corporate registration or leadership.

Meta said it removed a network of accounts originating in Israel that primarily targeted France for coordinated deceptive behavior, linking it to the same network behind the French campaign. Google and TikTok also identified and removed related content. The targeted candidates filed legal complaints, and one has sought to annul his election defeat, citing alleged foreign interference.

The case highlights growing concerns in France over foreign meddling and political polarization as the country looks ahead to the 2027 presidential election. France Unbowed warned that technological developments could increase the risk of similar attacks in the future.