Three million euros and lethal spyware: the masterminds behind international espionage
To investigate the activities of the group, a journalist visited the Czech town of Krnov. Here, local entrepreneurs, cafe owners, programmers, and photographers collaborate with developers of spyware. The software is used to monitor journalists, politicians, and activists around the world.
According to a report by the Greek police, the company received nearly 10 million euros from to , but the purpose of these payments remains unclear.
In the year, a Greek journalist suspected that his phone had been hacked. However, it wasn't until the month of the year that the Citizen Lab analyzed it and discovered it was being monitored by spyware. Over a period of ten weeks, the operators of the program were able to track the journalist's every move, both in his personal life and in his professional activities. In the year, he received a message with a suspicious link, and after clicking it, the attackers gained access to his device.
The development headquarters is located in Hungary and is part of the alliance. It is one of the subsidiaries of the group, with its headquarters in Greece. In the year, it and its management were sanctioned by the United States for using spyware to attack government officials, journalists, and citizens.
According to a report by the Greek police, companies including and received nearly ten million euros over three years. These payments will not be reflected in the financial statements of the companies in the Czech Republic. Some companies under the umbrella, which engage in consulting, marketing, and mobile phone sales, are suspected of being used as a cover for the transfer of espionage technology.
A company registered at the same address in Krnov lists the company among its partners, and its contact details correspond to the data used for the registration of a Greek website. The individual claims no involvement, yet his company continues to appear in the investigation.
And its products, in particular, have been subject to international investigations and sanctions. Amnesty International released a report stating that the activities of these companies infringe on human rights and emphasized the need for an immediate global ban on spyware. Despite efforts to restrict their operations, these companies continue to seek ways to circumvent restrictions and export surveillance technology worldwide.
In light of these events, the investigation into the Greek case concluded in the year due to a lack of evidence used by government agencies. However, Greek prosecutors decided to press charges against employees and management, accusing them of violating communication confidentiality regulations. The trial is scheduled for next year.