In a significant legal case in Greece, four individuals were convicted in connection with the illegal wiretapping of more than 90 politicians, journalists, business leaders, and senior military officials using the controversial spyware known as 'Predator.' Three of the defendants were former executives from Intellexa, a Greek company involved in the sale of the spyware, which has been scrutinized for its potential to violate privacy rights and democratic principles.

The software 'Predator' enables hackers to gain access to sensitive information, including messages and photos, and can even remotely activate the microphone or camera of the infected device. This alarming capability has raised serious concerns about the misuse of technology for political manipulation and surveillance. In 2023, Intellexa, alongside its partner company Cytrox from North Macedonia, was added to a list of entities banned by the United States for posing a national security threat, further highlighting the international implications of these spyware tools.

One of the key victims of this scandal, financial journalist Thanassis Koukakis, described the situation as a blatant violation of the rule of law. The revelation by Koukakis in early 2022 triggered a political crisis within the conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, leading to the resignation of the Greek national security advisor. This case not only exposes the dark underbelly of surveillance practices but also raises questions about governmental accountability and the need for stronger protections against such intrusions in democratic societies.