Full Breakdown
Ted Kittila Sued for $120 Million Over Alleged Role in Kurdish Spyware Deal
6/9/2026, 9:38:37 PM
Core Lawsuit Overview
A complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware in late April accuses attorney Ted Kittila of fraud, civil conspiracy and extortion for representing agents of the Kurdistan Regional Government in a failed surveillance-software purchase. The suit seeks $120 million in damages from Kittila and related parties.
Background & Context
The Kurdistan Regional Government, an authority in northern Iraq, has faced human-rights abuse allegations. In late 2022 a Kurdish operative in Virginia tried to buy $11 million of spyware from U.S. contractor Ben Jamil, paying a $360,000 deposit that was not refunded. The operative hired Kittila to sue Jamil. Kittila also worked for the Republican National Committee and represented Trump Media & Technology Group in a Truth Social ownership dispute.
Timeline
- Late 2022: Kurdish operative attempts $11 million spyware purchase; $360,000 deposit paid.
- Late April 2024: Delaware court receives $120 million lawsuit against Kittila; Jamil files $460 million counter-suit also naming Kittila.
Official Statements & Responses
The Delaware filing says Kittila “weaponized a criminal contempt motion” to silence discussion of the spyware deal, constituting malicious prosecution. Jamil’s suit alleges Kittila sought contempt order for Kurdish spy to avoid scandal. No response from Kittila is on record.
Criticism & Opposition
Rights groups condemn the RNC’s voter-roll lawsuits as part of a broader push to enable voter purges. Advocacy groups criticize Kittila’s work for an authoritarian regime, saying it conflicts with democratic norms and may aid foreign surveillance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The claims rest on court filings and statements from Jamil and the Kurdish operative; verification of the $11 million purchase attempt or fraud is lacking. Kittila’s side has not been reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If he’s a prominent and important lawyer, connected to important people, why would he want to have the world know?” — Ben Jamil, spyware contractor.
- “If I was an important guy, working for Trump, I would go to church, I’d buy Girl Scout cookies,” — Ben Jamil.
- “So people in his particular situation would certainly want to keep their hands very clean and not be associated with anything that could become a scandal. And this is a scandal.” — Ben Jamil.
- “Jamil told the Daily Beast he believes Kittila sought the contempt order on behalf of the Kurdish spy to save both himself and the Kurdish regime the embarrassment of the “scandal” breaking.” — Ben Jamil (paraphrased).
Why It Matters / Impact
The case shows possible conflicts when high-profile political lawyers represent authoritarian regimes while handling domestic partisan matters, raising questions about oversight of surveillance-technology deals and ethical limits of advocacy.
What's Next
The Delaware court will decide if the $120 million claim proceeds to discovery. Jamil’s counter-suit may further expose the alleged scheme and influence standards for U.S. lawyers dealing with foreign regimes.
