Thu Feb 26 11:50:18 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Greek Court Convicts Four in “Greek Watergate” Wiretapping Scandal

The Story:

A Greek court has convicted four individuals, including two Israelis, for their involvement in a significant wiretapping scandal that has been dubbed the “Greek Watergate.” The case revolves around the illegal use of Predator spyware to target dozens of politicians, journalists, business leaders, and military officials in Greece, causing a major uproar in 2022. The defendants were found guilty of breaching the confidentiality of telephone communications, tampering with personal data, and illegal access to information systems.

The scandal erupted after opposition leader Nikos Androulakis and journalist Thanasis Koukakis alleged they were under state surveillance. Investigations revealed that investigative journalist Koukakis was wiretapped by intelligence services and his phone infected with Predator spyware. The independent telecommunications privacy authority ADAE found that Predator was used against more than 90 people.

Key Points:

  • Four individuals convicted, including two Israelis: Tal Dilian, former Israeli soldier and founder of Intellexa, and his business partner, along with two former Greek executives of Intellexa.
  • Convictions related to the illegal use of Predator spyware to target politicians, journalists, and business leaders.
  • The defendants were found guilty of “breaching the confidentiality of telephone communications”, “tampering with a personal-data filing system … on a repeated basis”, as well as of “illegal access to an information system or data”.
  • The court announced a combined sentence of 126 years and eight months, eight of which will have to be served, pending appeal.
  • The scandal led to the resignation of senior officials in Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s administration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conviction highlights the growing concerns over the use of sophisticated spyware like Predator to target individuals and potentially undermine democratic processes.
  • The involvement of an Israeli company (Intellexa) underscores the international dimension of the spyware industry and the challenges in regulating it.
  • The “Greek Watergate” scandal demonstrates the potential for surveillance abuses within governments and the importance of independent oversight.
  • The case emphasizes the vulnerability of digital communications and the need for stronger data protection measures.
  • The scandal has damaged the reputation of the Greek government and raised questions about its commitment to protecting civil liberties.

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