Microsoft: Russian Propaganda Group Behind Fake Kamala Harris Hit-And-Run Story

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AP

Researchers at Microsoft have uncovered that a false claim circulating on social media about Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is the result of a covert Russian disinformation campaign. The claim, which alleges that Harris left a 13-year-old girl paralyzed after a hit-and-run incident in San Francisco in 2011, was found to be part of a larger operation by the Russian group Storm-1516, a Kremlin-aligned troll farm.

The disinformation effort involved creating a fake video, hiring an actor to portray the alleged victim, and disseminating the false story through a fabricated website for a non-existent San Francisco news outlet. This fake website was established shortly before the release of the fabricated article about the supposed incident. According to online registration records, the website was designed to lend credibility to the false claim.

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The operation marks a significant escalation in Russia's foreign influence efforts ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5. Microsoft’s research highlights how Storm-1516, known for producing misleading content and employing actors to impersonate whistleblowers or journalists, has intensified its activities. The group has been creating and promoting scandalous and false information to undermine public trust and manipulate political perceptions.

The fake story about Harris was widely circulated on social media platforms, including X.com, where it gained traction with the hashtag #HitAndRunKamala. The video associated with this claim was also shared by Aussie Cossack, who is identified as a "Registered foreign agent for Sputnik News." Cossack’s post, encouraging viral dissemination among MAGA supporters, contributed to the video amassing over 2.7 million views.

Microsoft's Threat Analysis Center noted that many pro-Russian entities were involved in amplifying the video and its false claims. The disinformation campaign by Storm-1516 reflects a broader strategy to influence U.S. political dynamics and sow discord within the electorate.

The Russian embassy in Washington has not responded to requests for comment regarding the findings. Additionally, this disinformation effort follows recent U.S. Justice Department actions against Russian state media network RT. The Justice Department has charged two RT employees with money laundering related to schemes aimed at producing content to influence U.S. elections.

U.S. officials have expressed concern that Russia’s goal is to exacerbate political divisions within the U.S. and weaken public support for American military aid to Ukraine. Kamala Harris, if elected, has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.