A government source in France says a Russian-linked disinformation operation, attributed to Storm-1516, circulated a fabricated France-Soir-like article falsely alleging President Macron’s implication in the Epstein case.

The bogus piece was amplified on X (formerly Twitter) and traced by Viginum, with BFMTV later confirming the findings.

The operation included creating a counterfeit France-Soir website to publish the false piece, which then spread on X.

An artificial intelligence–generated video related to the hoax circulated on X and attracted about seven hundred thousand views by mid‑week.

French authorities confirmed the discovery, pointing to BFMTV as the initial source and noting further spread on X after publication.

Initial videos and posts came from an attacker account and were amplified by multiple accounts monitored by Viginum, likely backed financially by the operators.

US officials noted the January 30 DOJ Epstein file release contained no new elements for prosecutions, though public figures may be drawn into shock.

The first fake article appeared on the counterfeit France-Soir domain; Reuters found the related video still accessible on X despite a removal request, and X did not comment.

The report situates the incident within ongoing coverage of regional security and Russia-related geopolitical dynamics, with related links on the page.

Viginum says Storm-1516 continues adapting to evade moderation and conceal traces, maintaining a high‑velocity disinformation campaign.

Viginum attributes the operation to Storm-1516’s influence operations and identifies CopyCop as a key part of the infrastructure.

Storm-1516’s strength lies in swift responses to current events and sustained campaigns against Western figures, especially during sensitive electoral periods.