Angolan Journalist Targeted with Predator Spyware
A prominent Angolan journalist, Teixeira Cândido, was targeted with Predator spyware in May 2024, marking the first confirmed case of its use against a reporter in Angola. The investigation, conducted by Amnesty International in collaboration with Reporters Without Borders (RSF), reveals a concerning trend of surveillance targeting press freedom in the country.
The Targeting of Teixeira Cândido
Teixeira Cândido, a journalist for Jornal do Angola and former Secretary General of the Syndicate of Angolan Journalists (SJA), experienced a breach of his iPhone security in May 2024. The attack involved malicious links sent via WhatsApp from an unknown number posing as students interested in socioeconomic development in Angola RSF. After initially building rapport, the sender sent links designed to install the Predator spyware.
Forensic analysis by Amnesty International’s Security Lab confirmed that Cândido’s phone was infected with Predator on May 4, 2024 Amnesty International. The spyware, developed by Intellexa, allowed potential access to a wide range of data, including messages, photos, location, and even audio recordings CPJ.
Predator Spyware and Intellexa
Predator is a highly invasive mobile phone spyware developed and sold by Intellexa, a mercenary spyware company, for use by governments in surveillance operations Amnesty International. The spyware is designed to operate discreetly, leaving few traces on the targeted device, making independent audits challenging Amnesty International.
Intellexa’s Predator spyware has been linked to surveillance activities in multiple countries, including Pakistan Amnesty International. Investigations, including the Intellexa Leaks in December 2025, have revealed details about the company’s operations and documented further abuses linked to the spyware Amnesty International.
Impact on the Journalist and Press Freedom
The targeting of Teixeira Cândido has had a profound impact on his personal and professional life. “I feel naked knowing that I was the target of this invasion of my privacy. I don’t know what they have in my possession about my life… Now I only do and say what is essential. I don’t trust my devices,” Cândido stated Amnesty International.
This attack occurs within a broader context of increasing authoritarianism in Angola under President João Lourenço’s administration, characterized by repression of protests and abuses of power Amnesty International. The case highlights the chilling effect such surveillance can have on journalists and their ability to report freely.
Ongoing Concerns and Lack of Response
Amnesty International sent a letter to Intellexa on January 27, 2026, requesting information about the company’s human rights due diligence processes. As of the publication of the Amnesty International report, Intellexa had not responded Amnesty International.
While the investigation has confirmed the use of Predator spyware, Amnesty International has not yet been able to attribute the attack to a specific government customer Amnesty International.