Greece Predator scandal: Four convicted over spyware affair that shook Greece
BBC World
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Greece's "Predator spyware scandal" has reached a significant legal milestone as four individuals were convicted and sentenced to jail terms for their role in illegally using surveillance software to target 87 people, including government officials, military personnel, and journalists. The case, dubbed "Greece's Watergate," involved the use of Predator spyware, marketed by an Israeli company, to breach privacy and communications. While the defendants were found guilty of misdemeanors, they received lengthy sentences (up to 126 years, though only eight are typically served), which are suspended pending appeal. The court also raised concerns about potential involvement of third parties, including government officials, in felony offenses such as espionage.
The scandal began in 2022 when Greek Socialist Party MEP Nikos Androulakis received a malicious text message containing links to Predator spyware, capable of accessing devices' messages, cameras, and microphones. Initially illegal in Greece, the software's use has since been legalized under strict conditions by a new law. The case has sparked debates about democratic accountability and government surveillance practices, with critics accusing authorities of attempting to cover up the scandal. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who oversees Greece's intelligence agency (EYP), called it a "scandal" but no officials have faced charges.
The trial, held in an Athens court handling misdemeanors, revealed that one-third of the targeted individuals were under legal surveillance by Greek intelligence. The defendants—two Greeks and two Israelis—were charged with violating privacy and illegally accessing data. While they were not present for the verdict, the court noted potential felonies tied to espionage and forwarded trial records to the Prosecutor's Office for further investigation.
The scandal has highlighted concerns about the misuse of surveillance technology and the need for transparency in government actions. Victims, including financial reporter Thanasis Koukakis, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision but emphasized the importance of investigating higher-level involvement. The case underscores broader global issues of privacy rights, government accountability, and the ethical use of surveillance tools in political contexts.
This scandal matters globally as it raises questions about how democracies balance security needs with individual freedoms. It also sheds light on the potential risks of advanced spyware being used by governments without adequate oversight or legal safeguards. The outcome of further investigations will be crucial in determining whether higher-level officials are complicit, and
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026