Former Greek MEP Targeted by Pegasus Spyware

Former Greek Member of the European Parliament and journalist Stelios Kouloglou was repeatedly targeted with the Israeli spyware Pegasus. According to a report by the Canadian cybersecurity watchdog Citizen Lab, his phone was compromised at least three times between October 2022 and March 2023.

At the time, Kouloglou was serving on the European Parliament's PEGA committee, which was established to investigate the illegal use of spyware in EU member states.

Kouloglou said he was surprised by the attackers' willingness to exploit a previously unknown vulnerability in Apple's software. The NSO Group, which develops Pegasus, did not respond to a request for comment.

The company has long maintained that its software is intended to combat crime and protect national security, despite longstanding allegations that it has been used to spy on journalists, politicians and activists.

The European Parliament did not comment directly on the case but said it continuously monitors cyber threats and has provided MEPs with tools to check their devices since 2022.

Former MEP Sophie in 't Veld warned that the unchecked spread of spyware is creating an environment in which virtually anyone can be placed under surveillance.

(reuters, max)