March 25, 2026 — The convicted founder of spyware firm Intellexa has suggested the Greek government authorized a mass surveillance campaign that hacked dozens of phones belonging to politicians, military officials, and journalists. Tal Dilian, sentenced to eight years in prison in February, told Reuters he would not be a “scapegoat” and hinted at a government cover-up.
Conviction and Accusations
A Greek court found Dilian and three other Intellexa executives guilty of illegally obtaining personal data. The case centers on the use of the company’s Predator spyware, a tool capable of infiltrating iPhones and Android devices to steal messages, emails, and location data. The scandal, dubbed “Greek Watergate,” triggered the resignations of senior intelligence officials and an aide to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
No government officials have been convicted in connection with the wiretapping. Critics have long accused the Mitsotakis administration of obstructing the investigation. Dilian’s recent remarks represent the most direct implication from within Intellexa that the government sanctioned the operations.
Dilian’s Defense and Claims
“I believe a conviction without evidence is not justice, it could be part of a cover-up and even a crime,” Dilian stated. He announced plans to appeal his conviction and said he was willing to share evidence with national and international regulators. Dilian did not respond to a request for comment from TechCrunch.
He also told Reuters that surveillance technologies like Predator are typically sold exclusively to governments, which bear responsibility for lawful use. The Greek embassy in Washington D.C. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
International Repercussions and Sanctions
The U.S. government imposed sanctions against Tal Dilian in 2024 after Predator was discovered on phones belonging to American officials and journalists. These sanctions, detailed in a Treasury Department announcement, make it effectively illegal for anyone to conduct business with him or his sanctioned associates.
The spyware’s capabilities have drawn global scrutiny from cybersecurity researchers and human rights groups. Predator operates by tricking targets into clicking malicious links, granting attackers full access to a device’s contents.
Political Fallout in Greece
The hacking revelations have caused sustained political turmoil in Greece. The phones of senior ministers, opposition leaders, and journalists were compromised. The resignations of the national intelligence agency head and a key prime ministerial aide followed the initial disclosures.
Despite the convictions of the Intellexa executives, the question of ultimate responsibility remains unanswered. Opposition parties and press freedom organizations continue to demand a full, transparent investigation into the state’s role. The Council of Europe has previously raised concerns about media freedom and surveillance in member states.
What Happens Next
Dilian’s appeal process will proceed through the Greek judicial system. His offer to provide evidence to regulators could prompt new investigations, both domestically and by international bodies. The political pressure on the Mitsotakis government is likely to persist as calls for accountability grow louder.
This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.
