Victims of Greece’s Predator spyware scandal file €8 million lawsuit against Intellexa

Eight people who say they were targeted in Greece’s so-called Predatorgate affair have filed a civil lawsuit against the Athens-based spyware maker behind the surveillance tool, seeking a total of €8 million in damages.

According to the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Zacharias Kesses, each claimant is requesting €1 million in moral compensation for device compromises that allegedly took place between 2020 and 2021. The group includes journalist Thanasis Koukakis, one of the most prominent names linked to the scandal, as well as lawyers, intelligence personnel, and law enforcement officials.

The complaint names Intellexa SA and 13 people connected to the wider corporate network surrounding Predator, including company founder Tal Dilian. Kesses said the filing describes how the companies and individuals allegedly worked together to develop, market, and use the spyware.

Background to the scandal

Predator is a commercial spyware platform capable of taking control of phones and extracting data. It came under scrutiny in Greece after reports emerged that dozens of public figures had received text messages containing malicious links. Investigators later said those messages exploited flaws in Chrome and Android.

Greek authorities have repeatedly denied that the state or its intelligence services were involved in the operation. A prosecutor’s review in 2024 said it found no evidence linking the government or the intelligence service to the abuse, though civil society groups continue to question whether public bodies had any role in acquiring or deploying the tool.

The Intellexa ecosystem has also faced international pressure. In 2024, the US Treasury added several related companies, including Athens-based Intellexa SA and entities in Ireland, North Macedonia, and Hungary, to its sanctions list over support for Predator.

Earlier this year, a Greek misdemeanors court found several people tied to the network guilty of violating communications confidentiality and unlawfully accessing personal data. They received long prison terms, though appeals are expected and Greek law limits how much time can ultimately be served.

Wider pressure on the EU

The lawsuit comes as campaigners push the European Union to take a tougher approach to spyware abuse across member states. Similar controversies have surfaced in Spain, Hungary, and Poland, adding to calls for stronger investigations and clearer accountability.

• The plaintiffs are seeking €1 million each in moral damages.
• The lawsuit targets Intellexa SA and 13 associated individuals.
• Campaign groups are urging the EU to investigate spyware use more aggressively.