Russia-linked accounts spread far-right narrative online during Ceuta crisis, analysis finds

Social media accounts linked to Russia actively promoted far-right narratives during the recent migration crisis in Ceuta, Spain, reaching an estimated audience of over 500,000 people. An analysis conducted by the counter-disinformation group 411 revealed a coordinated campaign to spread destabilizing messages, particularly focusing on immigration.

The disinformation barrage began on August 1st, the day after tens of thousands of people attempted to cross into the Spanish enclave from Morocco. This influx, estimated at 72,000 migrants over several days, became a focal point for coordinated online activity. The Russian-linked accounts framed the events using far-right rhetoric, labeling the crossings as a deliberate, organized "assault" and suggesting complicity from authorities.

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We keep seeing this across Europe and we find it very interesting. It seems like there is some type of machinery in place, or structure.

Further amplifying the divisive messages, some accounts incorporated Islamophobic and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. These narratives were rapidly disseminated across seven languages, garnering over 720,000 views within six hours on August 1st alone, according to 411's examination of approximately 4.5 million social media posts. Experts suggest the scale and coordination of this disinformation campaign indicate a well-established operational structure, a concerning trend observed across Europe during similar crises.

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Quite regularly, we are seeing this escalation happening across Europe now, with these types of crises. It is too much of a coincidence to be a bandwagoning effect.