Key facts
- Accounts linked to the Russian military promoted far-right messages during the Ceuta migration crisis.
- The disinformation reached over 500,000 people in the early days of the crisis.
- Narratives framed the migration as a coordinated 'assault' and included Islamophobic conspiracy theories.
- Social media facilitated coordination among migrants and amplified far-right responses.
- The speed and organization of the disinformation campaign were noted as significant.
Accounts linked to the Russian military promoted far-right narratives concerning the recent migration crisis in Ceuta, reaching over 500,000 people, according to an analysis by the counter-disinformation group 411. These accounts framed the influx of migrants as a deliberately coordinated 'assault' and suggested authorities were complicit, incorporating Islamophobic and antisemitic conspiracy theories.
The disinformation campaign began on August 1, following an attempt by approximately 49,000 people to cross into the Spanish enclave from Morocco. Over several days, an estimated 72,000 migrants made their way into the territory. The narratives were rapidly reproduced in seven languages and garnered over 720,000 views within six hours on August 1, according to 411's examination of 4.5 million social media posts.
Some far-right accounts also issued calls for nationalists to gather in Ceuta and 'patrol' businesses and homes, with indications of coordination. Social media played a significant role in the crisis, with online rumors persuading young Moroccans that the border was open and providing guidance on reaching the territory. Substantive 'peer-to-peer logistics chatter' among potential migrants was confirmed on social media, primarily in comment sections beneath viral videos.
One origin of the propaganda barrage was identified as Rybar, a Telegram channel with links to Russian intelligence, whose parent company has faced European sanctions. A network of 'repeater' accounts then amplified these posts, including those linked to the Pravda network, known for spreading Kremlin propaganda.
Researchers noted that the disinformation spread significantly faster than during a similar incident in May 2021, where 8,000 migrants crossed the same border. The amplification of far-right narratives and mobilization of nationalist groups occurred more swiftly this time. Experts suggested the coordinated efforts resemble a highly organized 'information superhighway,' indicating a persistent structure for spreading disinformation that could be reactivated for future border incidents.