Full Breakdown
Intellexa Founder Appeals Conviction in Greek Wiretapping Scandal
3/25/2026, 5:26:26 AM
Overview of the Wiretapping Scandal
The wiretapping scandal in Greece, known as "Predatorgate," has drawn significant attention following the conviction of Tal Dilian, founder of the surveillance firm Intellexa, and three associates for breaching personal data laws. On February 26, 2024, a Greek court sentenced them to prison for their roles in the scandal, which involved the use of Intellexa's Predator spyware to surveil at least 87 targets, including politicians and journalists. The court's ruling has sparked political outrage and allegations of state involvement.
Tal Dilian's Appeal and Statements
Tal Dilian has announced plans to appeal his conviction, claiming that the ruling lacks evidence and suggesting it may be part of a broader cover-up. In a statement, he asserted, "I remained silent during the trial, but I will not be a scapegoat... a conviction without evidence is not justice." He intends to present his case to various national and international institutions, including the UN Special Rapporteur on judicial independence.
Dilian emphasized that Intellexa provides its surveillance technology exclusively to authorized government agencies, distancing the company from the actual deployment of the software. He stated, "We operate strictly under European and international export regulations," asserting that the responsibility for lawful use lies with the governments that acquire the technology.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Dilian's statements have reignited political tensions in Greece. Opposition leaders, including Nikos Androulakis of the PASOK party, have accused Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his administration of orchestrating the surveillance. Androulakis, a confirmed target of the Predator spyware, claimed that the government's narrative of rogue private actors has collapsed, stating, "Predator and illegal surveillance were the weapons of a deep state, set up by the prime minister."
In response, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis dismissed these accusations as politically motivated distractions, highlighting that the Greek Supreme Court had previously cleared state officials of criminal involvement in the scandal. He argued that the convictions of the four private individuals involved demonstrate there was no state cover-up.
Broader Implications and International Scrutiny
The scandal has raised significant concerns about the use of surveillance technology in Greece and its implications for civil liberties. Sokratis Famellos, head of the Syriza party, described the situation as a "profound institutional crisis," while Gabriel Sakellaridis of the New Left party suggested that the evidence confirms the Greek government's ties to Intellexa.
The Intellexa consortium is also facing international scrutiny, having been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in 2024 for developing and distributing spyware used to target American officials and journalists. As the appeal process unfolds, the case continues to highlight the intersection of technology, governance, and accountability in Greece.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I remained silent during the trial, but I will not be a scapegoat,” — Tal Dilian, Founder of Intellexa
- “Predator and illegal surveillance were the weapons of a deep state, set up by the prime minister and the Maximos Mansion,” — Nikos Androulakis, Leader of PASOK
- “Even a kindergarten child understands that Mr. Androulakis is using the wiretaps as an attempt to distract from the huge internal political crisis he is having,” — Pavlos Marinakis, Government Spokesman
- “Pandora's box has been opened.” — Sokratis Famellos, Head of Syriza Party
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the court ruling has led to convictions, the Greek Supreme Court prosecutor previously shelved the case against the National Intelligence Service (EYP), leading to conflicting narratives about state involvement. The ongoing appeal by Dilian may further complicate the legal landscape surrounding this scandal.
