Eight Greek nationals who were surveilled using Predator spyware have filed a civil lawsuit against surveillance technology manufacturer Intellexa and 13 individuals connected to the company. The plaintiffs are collectively seeking approximately 7.6 million euros (around $8.7 million USD) in compensation, according to their lawyer Zacharias Kesses.

Kesses stated the damages are intended to address “the moral damage suffered by the victims from the illegal violation of their privacy, the confidentiality of their communications and their personal data,” citing confirmed forensic evidence of Predator on their devices.

Who Is Suing

The plaintiffs represent a cross-section of high-profile Greek public and professional life, including:

  • A former Meta security manager
  • Financial journalist Thanassis Koukakis
  • Two lawyers
  • A former director of the Hellenic Police’s Forensic Laboratories
  • The former head of a Greek intelligence agency
  • Journalist Spyridon Sideris
  • A former intelligence and law enforcement official

Background on the Predator Scandal

The scandal surfaced in 2022 when forensic analysis found traces of Predator on dozens of phones. The fallout was significant at the governmental level, resulting in the resignation of Greece’s intelligence service chief and the prime minister’s chief of staff.

In February, a Greek court sentenced Intellexa’s founder Tal Dilian and three associates to a combined sentence exceeding 126 years in prison. Under Greek law, however, the effective custodial term is capped at 8 years, and they remain free pending the conclusion of the appeals process.

In March, Dilian publicly denied personal culpability, asserting that Intellexa sold Predator exclusively to government customers, including the Greek government and its national intelligence agency. He claimed the government committed what he described as a “conspiratorial criminal act” to conceal its own actions, and maintained that Intellexa has no role in selecting surveillance targets.

Legal Significance

Kesses described the civil lawsuit as detailing “the structure, operation and division of roles of the network of companies and individuals associated with the development, distribution and use of Predator.” He characterized the action as “the next institutional step towards full accountability of all those involved and redress for victims, both at national and European level.”

A trial date has been set for April 2027.