France Uncovers Russian-Linked Disinformation Plot Targeting Macron With Fabricated Epstein Claims

French authorities have exposed a coordinated Russian-linked disinformation campaign that sought to falsely implicate President Emmanuel Macron in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, according to multiple government sources and digital security agencies monitoring foreign interference.

A Sophisticated Fabrication Designed to Mimic Legitimate Media

The operation, detected on Wednesday by Viginum, France’s state service for countering foreign digital interference, involved the creation of a counterfeit news website impersonating the French outlet France-Soir. The fake site published an article alleging Macron’s involvement with Epstein, claims that were entirely fabricated and unsupported by any official documents. France-Soir quickly issued a public warning, denouncing the site as an act of “brand and content theft.”

Investigators say the fabricated article was falsely attributed to a journalist from Le Parisien, whose identity was stolen for the operation. The journalist later filed a police complaint after discovering his name had been used to lend credibility to the forged report.

Amplification Through AI-Generated Video and Coordinated Social Media Activity

The disinformation did not stop at the fake article. Authorities report that the operation included an AI-generated video, styled to resemble a legitimate news broadcast, which repeated the false allegations. The video was circulated on X (formerly Twitter), where it accumulated hundreds of thousands of views within hours.

The first account to share the video was identified as a frequent amplifier of pro-Russian information operations. The content was then rapidly disseminated by numerous other accounts, many of which Viginum has been monitoring for repeated involvement in foreign interference campaigns.

Storm‑1516: A Recurring Actor in European Disinformation

French officials have linked the smear campaign to Storm‑1516, a Russia-associated network previously implicated in multiple disinformation efforts across Europe and the United States. According to government sources, Storm‑1516 has conducted at least 77 known operations since late 2023, often using forged documents, impersonating media brands, and coordinating social media amplification.

The infrastructure behind the fake France‑Soir website was traced to the CopyCop information operation, reportedly connected to John Mark Dougan, an American fugitive residing in Russia. Authorities say Dougan maintains parts of the digital backbone used by Storm‑1516.

No Evidence of Macron–Epstein Connection

While President Macron’s name appears in more than 200 references within the vast trove of Epstein-related documents released by the U.S. Justice Department, French media and investigators emphasize that these mentions do not indicate any wrongdoing. They appear only in third-party discussions, and there is no evidence of any meeting or communication between Macron and Epstein.

French authorities and the Foreign Ministry’s “French Response” account publicly refuted the fabricated claims, reiterating that the allegations were baseless and part of a broader attempt to destabilize public trust.

A Broader Pattern of Targeting Macron

This is not the first time French officials have raised concerns about Russian attempts to discredit Macron. Paris previously confronted Moscow over interference efforts dating back to the 2017 presidential campaign—allegations Russia has consistently denied.

The latest operation, officials warn, reflects an escalating pattern of foreign digital manipulation aimed at influencing European political discourse, particularly as France and its allies continue to challenge Russian actions on the global stage.

French Government Response

Authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of the operation, including the identities of the accounts involved in amplifying the fabricated content. Officials stress that such campaigns pose a significant threat to democratic debate, especially when they exploit AI tools and impersonate trusted media brands.

Viginum has urged the public to remain vigilant, verify sources, and rely on established news outlets when confronted with sensational or unverified claims circulating online.