Kathmandu— The British government is facing scrutiny for refusing to release details regarding BlackCore, an Israeli “information warfare” firm identified by French intelligence as having interfered in recent elections across Europe and North America. The alleged interference targeted candidates supportive of Palestine, with operations spanning from the Scottish Parliament to mayoral races in New York City and France, occurring between March and June of this year. While Viginum, a division of French domestic intelligence, published a report detailing BlackCore’s activities, the UK government has denied Freedom of Information requests citing potential damage to relations with Israel.

BlackCore's Global Reach

Viginum’s investigation revealed that BlackCore employed tactics similar in France, Scotland and New York City, creating hundreds of fake social media accounts to disseminate negative information about pro-Palestine figures like Scottish First Minister John Swinney. The firm also extended its operations into Africa, specifically Angola, where it provided training to the ruling MPLA movement on “communicating positive government campaigns” and managing social media. Investigators discovered a web address linked to BlackCore detailing this four-week program in February.

Links to Israeli Intelligence

Little is known about BlackCore itself, as the company removed its online presence following Viginum’s report. However, archived material indicates it specializes in “shaping narratives” and influencing perceptions for political clients, operating for approximately 15 years. An investigation by Israel's Haaretz newspaper revealed that while not officially registered, BlackCore shares web infrastructure with companies founded by individuals with ties to Israeli intelligence agencies, including veterans of Unit 8200.

Government Secrecy and Diplomatic Concerns

The British government has twice rejected Freedom of Information requests from The National newspaper seeking information on BlackCore. Officials stated that disclosure would “prejudice relations between the United Kingdom and any other state” and could “avoid giving offence to other nations.” This stance, coupled with similar refusals by the EU to investigate alleged Israeli interference in Slovenia and Cyprus, raises questions about the extent of Israel’s influence over European leaders.

Blurred Lines Between Private Sector and State

The investigation revealed a pattern of former Israeli intelligence operatives working within private cyberwarfare companies, often seemingly advancing Israeli interests. While Viginum chief Marc-Antoine Brillant stated his agency could not definitively identify the sponsor behind BlackCore’s operations, evidence suggests a complex web connecting the firm to both covert influence campaigns and state-backed soft power initiatives, such as an Israeli medical mission to Togo promoted through BlackCore's social media channels.

The Viginum report remains the most comprehensive public account of BlackCore’s activities. With Israel unlikely to cooperate with French requests for information, and the UK prioritizing diplomatic relations, further investigation into the firm’s operations appears stalled.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.