A disinformation operation related to the Russian network Storm-1516 accused President Macron of involvement in the Epstein scandal, having been detected by the French authorities.

The French authorities have identified a disinformation operation orchestrated by the Russian network Storm-1516, which aimed to discredit President Emmanuel Macron through false accusations of involvement in the Epstein scandal.

The Viginum service, responsible for combating foreign online interference, discovered a website that impersonated the identity of the publication France Soir, publishing a false article. France Soir issued a denial, warning readers about the brand impersonation. The operation was amplified on social media, and Viginum linked this site to CopyCop, associated with a former American police officer exiled in Russia.

In the context of the upcoming municipal elections in 2026, the French authorities are intensifying protective measures against disinformation, creating a Coordination and Protection Network for Elections to counter external threats.