Greece Convicts Intellexa Executives in Landmark Spyware Case

Athens – In a landmark ruling, an Athens court has convicted four individuals linked to the spyware maker Intellexa for unlawful access to private communication systems and data, and for violating privacy and data protection laws. The verdict, delivered on February 26, 2026, marks a significant step towards accountability in the “Predatorgate” scandal that has rocked Greece since 2022.

The ‘Predatorgate’ Scandal Unfolds

The scandal first surfaced in March 2022 when journalist Thanasis Koukakis discovered his phone had been infected with the highly invasive “Predator” spyware and that he had been wiretapped by the Greek National Intelligence Service. Four months later, Nikos Androulakis, then a Member of the European Parliament and now leader of the opposition party PASOK-KINAL, also found his phone had been targeted with the same spyware.

The revelations sparked public outrage, parliamentary inquiries, and criminal investigations. Numerous allegations emerged concerning the widespread targeting of journalists, activists, academics, and politicians with the surveillance technology.

Convictions and Sentencing

The Athens court found the following individuals guilty:

• Tal Dilian: Former Israeli intelligence officer and founder of Intellexa
• Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou: Dilian’s business partner
• Felix Bitzios: Former deputy administrator and shareholder of Intellexa
• Yiannis Lavranos: Owner of Krikel, the company through which “Predator” spyware was allegedly procured

Each defendant received a combined prison sentence of 126 years and eight months. However, under Greek law, the sentence is suspended pending appeal, and the mandatory minimum served is eight years.

Amnesty International’s Response

Rebecca White, Amnesty International’s Security Lab Researcher, hailed the ruling as a crucial step towards holding the surveillance industry accountable. “Almost four years since the ‘Predatorgate’ scandal hit Greece, we are finally seeing consequences for those involved in the abuse of surveillance technology,” she stated.

White emphasized that Intellexa’s products have been used in attacks against individuals globally and expressed hope that the ruling would signal an conclude to impunity for the surveillance industry. She also raised questions about the role of the Greek government, which has consistently denied purchasing or using Predator, stressing the importance of transparency and remedy for the victims of the unlawful surveillance.

Further Investigation and Government Response

A prosecutor has requested the investigation of eight additional individuals for espionage and any others potentially involved, citing the possibility of collaboration with foreign state forces.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court cleared the intelligence services and political officials of wrongdoing, a decision that drew criticism from those who believe the government attempted to cover up the truth.

Predator Spyware Capabilities

Predator spyware, marketed by the Athens-based Israeli company Intellexa, is capable of accessing a device’s messages, camera, and microphone. Its use was illegal in Greece at the time of the initial targeting, but a new law passed in 2022 has since legalized state security use of surveillance software under strict conditions.