A provincial court in Barcelona has ordered the indictment of three former senior executives from NSO Group, a leading spyware manufacturer, over their alleged involvement in a major hacking scandal. The individuals, Shalev Hulio, Omri Lavie, and Yuval Somekh, are being investigated for their role in the targeting of at least 63 members of the Catalan civil society using the company’s powerful surveillance technology, including the infamous Pegasus spyware. These targets, many of whom were connected to the Catalonia independence movement, are believed to have had their phones infected between 2017 and 2020. This legal action comes after a report from Citizen Lab, which linked the incidents to the spyware and suggested circumstantial evidence that points to the Spanish government’s involvement, though conclusive attribution was not made.
The indictment, which follows an investigation under Barcelona’s “discovery and disclosure of secrets” statute, has been hailed as a landmark move in Europe’s efforts to combat spyware abuse.
Human rights organizations, such as Iridia, have expressed their support, calling it a crucial step toward holding those responsible accountable. The legal proceedings are set to establish a significant precedent in the fight against unauthorized surveillance and spyware espionage. Iridia has emphasized the importance of the decision, noting that it reinforces the principle that individuals involved in espionage activities must face personal legal accountability.
The three former NSO Group executives had senior roles in the company during the time the alleged surveillance activities took place, further raising the stakes of the case.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the executives have not publicly commented on the charges. The court ruling will bring scrutiny to their involvement and could have far-reaching implications for the company and the broader surveillance technology industry. Although NSO Group’s spokesperson did not respond to media requests for comment, the indictment signals the growing demand for transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies.
This case is significant not only for its focus on the high-profile individuals involved but also for the broader implications it has on civil liberties, particularly in the context of political movements and government surveillance. Catalonia, with its long history of seeking independence from Spain, has been a particularly sensitive area of focus. The involvement of members of the European Parliament in the spyware targeting highlights the far-reaching impact of such surveillance. As the case progresses, it could lead to further scrutiny of the global spyware market and tighter regulations to prevent the misuse of such technologies.
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