The scandal involving the alleged use of illegal phone malware by Greece’s EYP intelligence service has rocked the nation. Former EYP head Panagiotis Kontoleon has vehemently denied the accusations, stating that the agency did not engage in any unlawful activities during his tenure from 2019 to 2022.
Journalist Thanasis Koukakis presented evidence that his phone was infected with Predator spyware, developed by a surveillance company within the Greece-based Intellexa consortium. Traces of Predator were reportedly found in the phones of various individuals, including politicians and businessmen.
Despite the conservative government admitting to lawfully monitoring the communications of Socialist party leader Nikos Androulakis, Kontoleon maintained that all wiretapping procedures were conducted within legal boundaries and under proper authorization.
The case has raised concerns about privacy and the protection of private communications in Greece. The resignation of Kontoleon and the general secretary to the prime minister underscore the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing judicial investigations into the matter.
Intellexa’s founder Tal Dilian has denied any involvement in the scandal, further adding layers of complexity to this unfolding saga.