Spyware Scandal: Former Greek Intelligence Chief Denies Allegations

The former head of Greece's EYP intelligence service, Panagiotis Kontoleon, has refuted claims that the agency used illegal malware to spy on targets between 2019 and 2022. The accusations, which ignited a scandal involving prominent political and media figures, have triggered judicial investigations and high-level resignations.

The former head of Greece's EYP intelligence service has denied allegations that the state agency used illegal phone malware to spy on targets from 2019 to 2022, court documents reveal. Greece was engulfed in scandal in 2022 after an opposition party leader and a journalist claimed state surveillance via phone malware.

Amid growing EU concern about spyware use, the allegations led to judicial investigations, resulting in the resignations of then-head of EYP Panagiotis Kontoleon and the prime minister's general secretary. Journalist Thanasis Koukakis' phone was reportedly infected by Predator spyware, developed by Cytrox, part of the Greece-based Intellexa consortium.

Independent telecommunications privacy authority ADAE found Predator traces in numerous phones, including those of politicians, journalists, and businessmen. The conservative government asserted it lawfully monitored Socialist party leader Nikos Androulakis' communications, denying any misconduct.

Kontoleon, who served as EYP chief from 2019 to 2022, testified in closed-door hearings in May, categorically denying EYP's purchase, rental, or use of illegal Predator software. Some EYP targets during that period had Predator-infected phones, a report stated. Androulakis and Koukakis, among these targets, remain uninformed about their surveillance specifics.

In 2022, the government announced Kontoleon's resignation due to 'mistaken actions' found in lawful wiretapping, without detailing the actions. Kontoleon emphasized that legal requirements were followed for wiretapping during his tenure, necessitating a prosecutor's authorization. He also clarified that political supervisors, including the prime minister, were not informed about operational issues.

Grigoris Dimitriadis, EYP's political supervisor who also resigned, and Intellexa's founder Tal Dilian have denied any use of such spyware or involvement in wrongdoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)