Disinformation Campaign Targets Scottish First Minister John Swinney

John Swinney, Scotland's First Minister, was targeted by a disinformation campaign linked to the Israeli firm BlackCore during the lead-up to the Scottish election. The campaign involved over 1,000 posts from more than 256 fake accounts on social media, particularly on X, aimed at discrediting Swinney and the Scottish National Party (SNP). The French government agency Viginum reported that this operation occurred between January 6 and May 8, 2026, coinciding with the election period. Swinney, who has criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, described the situation as a 'deeply concerning' example of foreign interference in elections. The SNP won the election on May 7, 2026, with Swinney being re-elected shortly after. The exact sponsors of BlackCore's campaign remain unidentified, and Viginum is continuing its investigation into the matter.

Key Points: • John Swinney was targeted by a disinformation campaign linked to BlackCore. • Over 1,000 posts were made by 256 fake accounts on social media platforms. • The campaign coincided with the Scottish election, raising concerns about foreign interference.