Europol-Led Operation Dismantles IRGC Online Propaganda Network Across 19 Countries, Removes 14,200 Links

Europol's EU Internet Referral Unit ran a 19-country operation from February 13 to April 28, referring approximately 14,200 IRGC-linked posts, accounts, and links for removal from social media platforms, streaming services, and standalone websites 12. The operation also secured restriction of the IRGC's primary X account, which had accumulated over 150,000 followers, following the EU's February 19 terrorist designation of the group 2. Removed content spanned six languages and included AI-generated videos glorifying the IRGC, and investigators traced the network's reach into proxy groups including Hezbollah and Hamas 1. Europol found the network relied on hosting providers across multiple jurisdictions, including Russia and the United States, and used cryptocurrency transactions to sustain its online operations 12.