French authorities on Monday accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of a cyberattack that sabotaged refrigeration systems at around 700 French grocery stores last month. The French government said the attack caused extensive food losses and at least 15 fires.
The accusation appeared in a five-page report from France's Cyber Crisis Coordination Centre. The center brings together the national cybersecurity agency ANSSI, the military's cyber command, and the DGSE and DGSI intelligence services.
The report names Shahid Kaveh, an IRGC cyber unit, as the perpetrator. The unit was previously linked to attacks on industrial controllers at U.S. water utilities.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters at a G7 ministerial meeting in Paris that he could confirm the IRGC was responsible. He described the sabotage as unprecedented in its scale and aggressiveness. France has summoned Iran's ambassador, and Barrot said the country will pursue European sanctions against those responsible.
Victims of the first wave included stores run by large chains, along with smaller businesses such as butchers, a slaughterhouse, and cooperative