A China-linked influence operation posed as a human rights organization on social media to incite Spaniards against their government.

A new report by Graphika, a U.S.-based social network analysis firm, revealed that the campaign followed deadly October floods in Valencia. Accounts linked to the Spamouflage operation targeted Spaniards through multiple platforms, including Facebook, X, BlueSky, and TikTok.

Between November and January, these accounts impersonated Safeguard Defenders, a Madrid-based human rights group. The fake profiles posted content in English and Spanish, criticizing Spain’s national and regional leaders.

Valencia Floods Used to Fuel Political Unrest

The influence campaign focused on the Spanish government’s response to the floods, which killed over 200 people. Imposter accounts attacked Valencia Governor Carlos Mazon, blaming him for leadership failures during the crisis.

Mazon faced strong public outrage but refused to resign despite increasing pressure. The floods exposed widespread distrust in Spain’s ruling elite.

Anger extended beyond regional officials. Protesters in Paiporta, a heavily affected town, forced Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and King Felipe VI to leave. A far-right group later claimed responsibility for the violence against Sanchez.

Spamouflage Escalates Efforts to Undermine Governments

Graphika’s report identified this campaign as an escalation in Spamouflage’s activities. This marks the first time the operation explicitly called for a government’s removal.

Spamouflage, active since 2017, has previously attempted to fuel political discord in the U.S. and Canada. The operation has denied any ties to the Chinese government.

Despite this denial, analysts view the campaign as part of a broader strategy to manipulate public sentiment and destabilize political institutions. The Spanish case highlights how influence operations exploit crises to intensify division and weaken trust in democracy.