Investigation Clears Greek Agencies in Spyware Scandal Amid Opposition Critique

A two-year investigation in Greece has exonerated the country's security agencies from involvement in an international spyware scandal. This scandal had led to US sanctions earlier this year, according to a senior prosecutor on Tuesday.

Supreme Court prosecutor Georgia Adilini stated there was no evidence linking Greece's National Intelligence Service, police force, or anti-terrorism division to the use of Predator spyware. Opposition groups had alleged that the spyware was used against government critics.

Opposition Reactions

The findings have sparked outrage among left-wing and centre-left opposition parties. They accused the ruling conservatives of orchestrating a cover-up. Nikos Androulakis, leader of a Socialist party and one of the spyware's targets, called the investigation a "sham" in parliament. He demanded lawmakers be shown the full conclusions of the 300-page report, which remains unpublished.

"It's a shameful practice to sell this type of software to illiberal regimes, knowing that they are most likely to be used against human rights activists, against political opponents, and endangering the lives of thousands of people in third world countries," Androulakis said.

US Sanctions and Government Response

In March, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on individuals and companies in Greece, Ireland, Hungary, and North Macedonia. These entities were linked to the Intellexa consortium, developers of the spyware sold to authoritarian regimes worldwide and used against US citizens.

The Greek government argued that opponents had wrongly conflated legally authorized wiretaps by Greece's National Intelligence Service with the use of spyware. "Your political narrative was not served by the facts. What should we do?" said Makis Voridis, a minister of state for the government. "While you were hurling slander, lies, and falsehoods at us – with nothing based on facts or the law – we were waiting for justice. And today, that day arrived."

Spyware Capabilities

US authorities have described Predator spyware as capable of infecting devices through "zero-click attacks," which require no user interaction. Once infected, it can extract data secretly, track geolocation, and access applications and personal information.

Amnesty International's Security Lab reported in October last year that Predator had been used to target but not necessarily infect devices connected to prominent figures. These included Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament; Tsai Ing-Wen, president of Taiwan; Rep. Michael McCaul from Texas; and Sen. John Hoeven from North Dakota.

Legislative Actions

The alleged use of Predator spyware in Greece led to the resignation of two top government officials in 2022, including the national intelligence director. Later that year, Greek lawmakers passed legislation banning the use, sale, or distribution of such spyware. Violations carry a minimum prison sentence of two years.

The investigation's findings have not quelled opposition anger but have provided some vindication for the ruling party amid ongoing political tensions.