Trial Set for Executives Involved in Greece’s Predator Spyware Scandal

Four company executives involved in Greece’s Predator spyware scandal are being tried on March 5 at Athens’ First Instance Court. The defendants face misdemeanor charges for violating communication privacy laws.

The charges stem from a 300-page report by Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Achilleas Zisis. The report implicated the companies responsible for the illegal Predator software but cleared Greece’s National Security Service (EYP) and other government agencies. Zisis’ nine-month investigation stirred political controversy before the report was made public.

The accused allegedly attempted to spy on 116 individuals, including politicians and journalists, by using malicious links to access their communications. Two breaches were confirmed, involving journalist Thanasis Koukakis and a former Meta employee, Artemis Seaford, who unknowingly triggered the spyware. High-profile targets like PASOK party leader Nikos Androulakis avoided surveillance by not clicking on the links.

The defendants face charges of unlawfully accessing private communication systems and data and violating privacy and data protection laws. Despite widespread criticism of the Zisis report, it recommended that the allegations be tested in court to determine their validity.