Story perspectives

Predator Spyware Targets Angolan Journalist, Threatens Free Speech

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Amnesty International's investigation found Predator spyware targeted Angolan journalist Teixeira Cândido in 2024, marking the first forensic evidence of the malware in Angola.
Cândido received malicious links disguised as student inquiries.
After opening a link, attackers infected his phone, granting them access to data.
The spyware threatens freedom of expression amid Angola's authoritarianism under President João Lourenço, and Amnesty has asked Intellexa for information, with no reply.

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Story summary

Amnesty International's investigation found Predator spyware targeted Angolan journalist Teixeira Cândido in 2024, marking the first forensic evidence of the malware in Angola.
Cândido received malicious links disguised as student inquiries.
After opening a link, attackers infected his phone, granting them access to data.
The spyware threatens freedom of expression amid Angola's authoritarianism under President João Lourenço, and Amnesty has asked Intellexa for information, with no reply.