Paris Prosecutors Investigate Suspected Russian Interference Targeting Politician Glucksmann

Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into suspected Russian interference aimed at discrediting Raphaël Glucksmann, a prominent left-wing politician and vocal critic of Vladimir Putin. The probe seeks to determine if Glucksmann was the target of a destabilization campaign orchestrated by the pro-Russian group Storm-1516, which is reportedly controlled by Russia's military intelligence services (GRU).

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This investigation must verify if Raphaël Glucksmann, a virulent critic of Vladimir Putin, was indeed the target of a destabilization operation carried out by the pro-Russian group Storm-1516, directly controlled by the GRU, the secret services of the Russian army.

The investigation was initiated after the circulation of a "completely fabricated" video that falsely implicated Glucksmann's partner, journalist Léa Salamé, and journalist Edwy Plenel. The fake report, which usurped the identity of the French media outlet Blast, alleged that Salamé attempted to bribe media outlets for favorable coverage of Glucksmann's potential presidential campaign in 2027.

Glucksmann, a Social Democrat MEP and co-founder of the "Place Publique" movement, had denounced the video as a "destabilization" operation. He was informed by the General Secretariat for National Defence and Security (SGDSN) that he had been targeted by the Storm-1516 group. Security sources confirmed that this disinformation campaign was detected last week.

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entirely fabricated

The Paris prosecutor's office opened the investigation on its own initiative following media reports of these suspicions. This incident is part of a series of alleged destabilization operations attributed to pro-Russian networks that have recently targeted several declared or potential presidential candidates in France. Besides Glucksmann, Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal have also been targeted by disinformation campaigns.

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The section for the protection of fundamental liberties of the Paris prosecutor's office opened an investigation on its own initiative following the mention in the press of these suspicions.