France has accused Iran of orchestrating a cyber attack that disrupted refrigeration systems in hundreds of supermarkets, leading to the spoilage of fresh and frozen food valued at millions of euros.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made the allegation during a press conference, blaming Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for what he described as an attack of unprecedented scale and aggression.
Barrot said France intends to pursue sanctions at the European level against those found responsible for the incident.
The cyber attack reportedly occurred last month when hackers gained control of software used to regulate temperatures in supermarket refrigerators and freezers across France.
More than 100 Coopérative U supermarkets were affected, along with 180 stores operated by Intermarché and its Netto brand. Reports indicated that temperatures in some refrigeration units rose to as high as 50°C overnight, resulting in significant food losses.
According to reports, the breach took place on October 11 after attackers accessed systems responsible for controlling refrigeration equipment in the affected stores.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. Last week, dozens of supermarkets across seven other European countries were also hit by a similar cyber attack, although authorities have not confirmed whether the incidents were linked.
Iran has yet to respond to the allegations made by the French government.
Meanwhile, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that an investigation has been launched into the head of an Iranian-linked cyber unit and two deputies. The group, identified as Shahid Kaveh, is said to be affiliated with the electronic and cyber centre of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The investigation is expected to examine the group's alleged role in the attack and any broader cyber operations connected to the incident.
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