Greek Court Delivers First Convictions in ‘Predatorgate’ Spyware Scandal
Athens, Greece – In a landmark ruling, an Athens court on February 26 convicted four executives of the Greek spyware company Intellexa of unlawfully accessing information systems, violating communications privacy, and interfering with personal data systems. The case, known as “Predatorgate,” marks the first time executives of a commercial spyware maker have faced criminal accountability, a development hailed by human rights advocates as a crucial step toward surveillance accountability.
Those found guilty – Tal Dilian, Sara Hamou, Felix Bitzios, and Giannis Lavranos – each received a sentence of 126 years, though the court suspended the sentences pending appeal, capping individual sentences at eight years due to the misdemeanor nature of the charges.
The convictions stem from a scandal that erupted in 2022 when journalists revealed that Greece’s intelligence service had targeted dozens of individuals – including journalists, politicians, and business leaders – with Predator spyware, alongside traditional wiretapping methods. The scandal, sometimes referred to as “Greek Watergate,” prompted widespread concern over the erosion of privacy and press freedom.
While the ruling addresses the responsibility of those who developed and deployed the spyware, a significant gap remains. Prosecutors have not pursued criminal charges against those who allegedly ordered the surveillance. Supreme Court prosecutors in 2024 cleared government agencies and state officials of responsibility, despite documented evidence of their involvement, including findings from a European Parliament investigation.
Human Rights Watch has documented the chilling effect the scandal has had on media freedom in Greece, noting that the threat of surveillance has created an environment of fear among journalists. Several journalists who reported on the scandal have faced abusive lawsuits, allegedly intended to silence their reporting.
The court’s decision to refer the case file back to prosecutors to reopen the investigation at the felony level, including potential charges of espionage, offers a glimmer of hope for further accountability. However, observers emphasize the need for the Greek judiciary to hold state officials accountable for authorizing the use of the spyware.
“This ruling is an important moment of accountability against the executives of companies that develop and sell dangerous surveillance technology,” said a statement from Amnesty International. “Now the Greek judiciary needs to hold state officials accountable for ordering its use.”
