Summary
Polish prosecutors charged two former intelligence chiefs for using Israeli-made Pegasus spyware. The men are accused of risking sensitive information by improperly using this advanced surveillance tool. They face charges related to their official duties and could face up to three years in prison.
Key Facts
- Polish prosecutors charged Piotr P. and Maciej Materka with criminal activities related to using Pegasus spyware.
- The charges involve unauthorized use of the spyware, which could have compromised secret information.
- Polish law requires the last names of individuals involved in legal cases to be withheld, but Materka named himself publicly.
- Both men deny the allegations and refused to provide explanations to prosecutors.
- Pegasus spyware can secretly access a person’s phone data, such as photos and passwords, through hacking.
- Additional charges related to the use of Pegasus have been brought against other Polish officials, including a former Justice Minister.
- Pegasus is made by the Israeli company NSO Group and is used by various government agencies globally.
- Allegations exist of Pegasus being used against journalists and activists internationally, including in countries like Jordan and Serbia.
