A network of bot-like accounts, media outlets, and users on the social media platform X has been disseminating disinformation in support of Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, who has been sanctioned by the US for corrupt activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The campaign aims to rehabilitate Gertler’s image and undermine civil society groups that have been critical of his dealings.

The disinformation effort began with the publication of articles in at least 10 Congolese media outlets, which claimed that an Israeli arbitration had cleared Gertler of corruption allegations. However, the arbitration was a civil dispute between business partners and did not exonerate Gertler of the corruption allegations that led to his sanctioning by the US in 2017.

The articles were amplified by a group of bot-like accounts on X, which posted similar replies to a post by a self-described “pro-democracy activist.” The accounts, which were created in February 2025, argued that the US sanctions on Gertler were unjust and harmful to the DRC’s interests. The accounts also targeted civil society groups, including the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), and posted similar replies to a statement by the group’s director, Jimmy Kande.

An analysis of the accounts’ history suggests a coordinated campaign, with the accounts posting on the same dates and using similar language. The email addresses associated with the accounts also follow a similar format, suggesting that they may have been created in coordination.

The disinformation campaign has been condemned by Global Witness, a member of the civil society coalition Le Congo N’est Pas à Vendre (CNPAV), which has been critical of Gertler’s activities in the DRC. The group has called on governments and digital platforms to take action to stop the spread of disinformation and protect civil society groups from digital smear campaigns.

The incident highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of social media platforms, particularly in the context of corruption and disinformation. It also underscores the importance of protecting civil society groups and journalists from digital intimidation and smear campaigns. Governments and international bodies must take a stronger stance against disinformation and work to prevent the misuse of social media platforms to manipulate public opinion and undermine accountability.