Spain reopens probe into Israeli NSO Group’s Pegasus software
The Spanish government has not disclosed whether foreign or domestic entities are suspected of orchestrating the espionage, signalling a renewed effort to address digital surveillance concerns and protect the privacy of politicians and citizens alike.
Spain’s High Court has reignited an investigation into the use of NSO Group’s Pegasus software to spy on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and other Spanish politicians. The legal move comes after a previous probe was shelved due to a lack of cooperation from Israeli authorities. Investigators plan to collaborate with France, where similar surveillance targeted politicians and public figures.
The investigation aims to uncover the perpetrators behind the spying activities, which triggered a political crisis in Spain in 2022 and resulted in the resignation of the country’s spy chief. However, no individuals or groups have been formally accused yet. The Spanish government has not disclosed whether foreign or domestic entities are suspected of orchestrating the espionage.
Judge Jose Luis Calama decided to reopen the case following revelations from France regarding the use of Pegasus software to surveil journalists, lawyers, and government officials. French President Emmanuel Macron even changed his mobile phone and number due to security concerns arising from the Pegasus spyware case. Calama emphasised the importance of analysing technical data from both countries’ investigations to identify the culprits behind the cyber attacks.
The judge has ordered expert analysis to compare technical elements gathered by Spanish and French authorities, expecting closer collaboration once this analysis is complete. Calama envisions joint efforts between French and Spanish judicial authorities to determine the origin of the Pegasus spy program’s infiltration in both countries. This renewed investigation signals a concerted effort to address concerns surrounding digital surveillance and protect the privacy of politicians and citizens alike.
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