Greece clears security agencies in spyware scandal, opposition decries cover-up

A two-year investigation in Greece has concluded, clearing the country’s security agencies of involvement in an international spyware scandal.

Greek Supreme Court prosecutor Georgia Adilini announced Tuesday that no evidence was found linking Greece’s National Intelligence Service, police force or anti-terrorism division to the use of Predator spyware, despite opposition allegations to the contrary.

Investigation findings

Adilini’s report dismissed claims that were highly likely to be true that the government critics were targeted by Predator spyware, a tool capable of infecting electronic devices through “zero-click attacks” for secret data extraction and geolocation tracking.

Opposition groups had accused the ruling conservatives of using this technology against prominent individuals, including Nikos Androulakis, leader of Greece’s Socialist Party.

Opposition reaction

The investigation’s findings have been met with anger from left-wing and center-left parties, who accuse the government of orchestrating a cover-up.

Androulakis labeled the probe a “sham” and demanded that lawmakers be given access to the full 300-page report, which has not been made public.

“It’s a shameful practice to sell this type of software to illiberal regimes, knowing that they are most likely to be used against human rights activists, against political opponents, and endangering the lives of thousands of people in third-world countries,” Androulakis said.

Government response, international implications

The government has rebuffed these allegations, maintaining that the opposition has conflated legally authorized wiretaps with illicit spyware use.

“The facts did not serve your political narrative. What should we do?” said Makis Voridis, a Greek minister.

“While you were hurling slander, lies, and falsehoods at us – with nothing based on facts or the law – we were waiting for justice. And today, that day arrived.”

In March, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on individuals and companies in Greece, Ireland, Hungary, and North Macedonia linked to the Intellexa consortium, which developed the Predator spyware.

The sanctions targeted those allegedly selling spyware to authoritarian regimes, such as Greece apparently.

Global concerns, legislative actions

The controversy over Predator spyware led to the resignation of two top Greek officials, including Greece’s National Intelligence Director, in 2022.

Subsequently, Greek lawmakers passed legislation banning the use, sale, or distribution of spyware, with violations punishable by a minimum two-year prison sentence.

Amnesty International’s Security Lab reported that Predator had targeted high-profile individuals globally, including the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, and Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-Wen as well as U.S. lawmakers.