Full Breakdown
Greek “Predatorgate” Victims File €1 Million Lawsuits Against Intellexa
7/7/2026, 11:04:08 PM
Eight Victims Sue Intellexa Over Predator Spyware
Eight individuals whose phones were infected with Predator spyware have sued Intellexa SA and 13 alleged associates, including founder Tal Dilian. Each plaintiff seeks €1 million in moral damages. The case is slated for an April hearing, per lawyer Zacharias Kesses.
Origins of Predatorgate and Institutional Fallout
The scandal, dubbed “Predatorgate,” surfaced in 2022 after a financial journalist and a centre-left party leader alleged state surveillance using Intellexa’s Predator malware. Forensic analysis later confirmed the spyware on dozens of devices. The revelations led to the dismissal of the EYP intelligence chief and the prime minister’s chief of staff, and triggered a no-confidence vote that the Mitsotakis government survived in 2023.
Key Players and Legal Timeline
- 2022 – Predator surveillance allegations emerge.
- February 2026 – Athens court convicts Tal Dilian and three co-defendants of breaching personal-data confidentiality (sentences total 126 years 8 months, capped at eight years pending appeal).
- March 2026 – Dilian calls the conviction unfounded and rejects scapegoating.
- December 2026 – Appeal hearing scheduled.
- April – Civil suit by eight victims to be heard.
Damages, Sentences, and Quantitative Details
The plaintiffs collectively seek €8 million in moral damages (€1 million each). The February 2026 convictions imposed cumulative prison terms of 126 years 8 months on Dilian and three co-defendants, though Greek law caps actual imprisonment at eight years pending the December appeal.
Official Government Response
Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government denies political involvement, describes the monitoring of a political opponent’s phone as a mistake, and says it was unaware of the surveillance before it occurred. The administration survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote in 2023.
Criticism from Intellexa Founder
Tal Dilian says the court’s decision is baseless, rejects being a scapegoat, and insists Intellexa’s tools have been sold only to governments, which bear responsibility for their use. His remarks highlight a dispute over liability for the spyware’s misuse.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
The source confirms Predator traces on dozens of phones but does not name the specific devices or owners beyond the eight plaintiffs. It lists 13 defendants without identifying them, leaving the scope of alleged participation unclear. No independent verification of the government’s claim of ignorance is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dilian said in March that the conviction was unfounded and that he would not be a scapegoat.” — Tal Dilian, Intellexa founder
- “He said the surveillance technology had been sold only to governments, and that they were responsibile for how it was used.” — Tal Dilian
- “Each plaintiff is seeking €1 million in moral damages for "the unlawful violation of their private life, the confidentiality of their communications, and their personal data," Kesses said.” — Zacharias Kesses, plaintiffs' lawyer
What's Next: Court Hearings and Potential Further Suits
The civil case will be heard in April, while Dilian’s appeal is set for December. The plaintiffs’ lawyer said further lawsuits may target additional parties linked to Intellexa, indicating the litigation could broaden.
