France has attributed a major cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accusing the group of carrying out sabotage that disrupted around 700 supermarkets in October. Tehran has not publicly responded to the allegation. French authorities have opened a judicial investigation and are seeking European Union sanctions.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the Iranian ambassador had been summoned, while prosecutors are seeking international arrest warrants for alleged members of the IRGC-linked Shahid Kaveh cyber unit. The attack reportedly caused widespread food losses after refrigeration systems were remotely manipulated.
Key developments
- France attributes the cyberattack to the IRGC.
- Around 700 supermarkets were affected by refrigeration failures.
- France summoned Iran’s ambassador and will pursue EU sanctions.
- Prosecutors are seeking international arrest warrants for suspected Shahid Kaveh members.
The attribution of the wider European refrigeration attacks remains unresolved. Similar incidents affecting supermarkets in countries including Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Estonia and others have prompted investigations, but authorities have not publicly identified those responsible or confirmed a link between all incidents.
The French allegation against the IRGC-linked Shahid Kaveh cyber unit adds to growing concerns over state-linked cyber operations targeting civilian infrastructure.
The incidents highlight the vulnerability of internet-connected systems and the increasing role of cyber activity as a tool of geopolitical pressure, with European governments facing renewed challenges in protecting critical supply chains and essential services.
ℹ️ Euronews, The Guardian