Greek Wiretapping Scandal: Key Figures Convicted in ‘Greek Watergate’

A Greek court has convicted four individuals, including two Israelis, for breaching the confidentiality of telephone communications in a significant case stemming from a major wiretapping scandal that rocked Greece in 2022. The scandal, dubbed “Greek Watergate” by local media, involved the illegal use of Predator spyware to target prominent figures.

The Scandal Unfolds

The controversy erupted in early 2022 when investigative journalist Thanasis Koukakis discovered he had been under surveillance by Greek intelligence services (EYP) and that his phone had been compromised with Predator spyware. Predator is a sophisticated tool capable of infiltrating mobile phones, accessing messages, photos, and even remotely activating the microphone and camera. Further investigation by the independent telecommunications privacy authority ADAE revealed that over 90 individuals had been targeted by the spyware [Reuters].

Convictions and Sentencing

On Wednesday, February 26, 2026, a court in Athens found the four defendants guilty of breaching the confidentiality of telephone communications, tampering with personal data filing systems, and illegal access to information systems. The defendants, who did not appear in court, received a combined sentence of 126 years and eight months, with eight years to be served in prison. They remain free pending an appeal [Al Jazeera].

Key Individuals Involved

• Tal Dilian: A former Israeli soldier and founder of Intellexa, a company specializing in the supply of spyware, including Predator. Dilian was a central figure in marketing Predator within Greece.
• Intellexa Business Partner: Dilian’s business associate was also found guilty.
• Two Former Greek Executives: Two former executives of Intellexa’s Greek branch were also convicted.

Government Response and Fallout

The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, acknowledged lawful monitoring of Socialist party leader Nikos Androulakis but denied any wrongdoing. The scandal triggered judicial investigations and led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including a senior aide to Mitsotakis and Panagiotis Kontoleon, the head of EYP [Reuters]. Mitsotakis subsequently survived a motion of no confidence in parliament related to the case.

Predator Spyware: A Closer Look

Predator spyware, developed by Intellexa, is a highly invasive tool that allows for comprehensive surveillance of mobile devices. It can extract a wide range of data, including messages, contacts, location data, and media files. Unlike some other spyware, Predator can be deployed without requiring the target to click on a malicious link, making it particularly dangerous [Citizen Lab].

Ongoing Concerns and Future Implications

The “Greek Watergate” scandal has raised serious concerns about privacy, government overreach, and the potential for abuse of surveillance technology. The case highlights the growing threat posed by commercially available spyware and the need for stronger regulations to protect citizens’ digital rights. The appeal process will likely be lengthy, and the scandal continues to cast a shadow over Greek politics and its relationship with technology providers.

Key Takeaways

• Four individuals were convicted in connection with the illegal wiretapping of Greek politicians, journalists, and business leaders.
• Predator spyware was used to target over 90 individuals, raising significant privacy concerns.
• The scandal led to the resignation of senior government officials and a motion of no confidence in parliament.
• The case underscores the need for greater regulation of the spyware industry and stronger protections for digital privacy.