News|EspionagePoland charges ex-intel chiefs for using Israel’s Pegasus spywareFormer officials face up to three years in prison if convicted for failing in their duties.
On Wed, Polish prosecutors announced criminal charges against two former intelligence chiefs for using the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, which allegedly compromised sensitive information. The charges were filed against Piotr P, former head of Poland's…
On Wed, Polish prosecutors announced criminal charges against two former intelligence chiefs for using the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, which allegedly compromised sensitive information. The charges were filed against Piotr P, former head of Poland's ABW internal security agency, and Maciej Materka, head of the SKW military counterintelligence service.
The National Prosecutors' Office stated that the accused lacked the necessary IT security accreditation to use the software and were aware of the risks associated with its use, including the potential exposure of secret or top-secret information.
Under Polish privacy laws, the last names of the accused were withheld; however, Materka identified himself in a social media statement criticizing the charges. Each individual could face up to three years in prison for alleged dereliction of official duties. Both have denied the accusations and declined to provide explanations during questioning.
Materka stated on social media that it was his responsibility to equip officers with the best possible tools and asserted that all operational activities during his tenure were legally sanctioned with requisite court approvals. He emphasized his 24 years of service with an impeccable record.
On Wed, Polish prosecutors announced criminal charges against two former intelligence chiefs for using the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware, which allegedly compromised sensitive information.
Additionally, other Polish officials are facing charges related to the use of Pegasus spyware. Former Justice Minister and Attorney General Zbigniew Ziobro is facing charges of abuse of power, including using funds intended for crime victims to acquire Pegasus spyware for political surveillance, which could result in a 25-year prison sentence.
Technical Specifications of Pegasus Spyware
Developed by the Israeli NSO Group, Pegasus is an advanced hacking and surveillance tool licensed to foreign government agencies. It can infiltrate mobile phones, extracting personal and location data, and can control microphones and cameras without user knowledge. The data accessible through Pegasus includes photos, web searches, passwords, call logs, communications, and social media posts.
The spyware has reportedly been used against journalists and activists globally, including in regions such as Jordan and Serbia.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
