Predator Spyware: Eight Victims Seek €7.6 Million in Damages in Landmark Civil Lawsuit

Journalists, intelligence officers, cybersecurity experts and former police officials launch the first major civil action over Greece's Predator surveillance scandal, seeking accountability from business figures linked to Intellexa and the spyware network.

Greece’s long-running Predator spyware scandal has entered a new judicial phase as eight alleged victims of unlawful surveillance have filed a landmark civil lawsuit seeking €7.6 million in damages before the Athens Multi-Member Court of First Instance.

The lawsuit marks the first large-scale civil compensation claim stemming from the Predator affair and follows recent criminal convictions of individuals connected to the spyware’s distribution network.

The hearing has been scheduled for 7 April 2027, while legal experts expect additional victims to pursue similar claims in the coming months.

Lawsuit Targets Business Figures and Intellexa-Linked Individuals

The plaintiffs seek compensation primarily from four businessmen who were convicted at first instance in the criminal proceedings and who have been linked to companies involved in developing and distributing the Predator spyware.

Those named include:

• Tal Dilian
• Felix Bitzios
• Giannis Lavranos
• Sara Alexandra Hamou

The lawsuit also targets employees connected to Intellexa, as well as several other individuals who allegedly played supporting roles in the spyware operation.

Among them are the holder of the prepaid SIM card reportedly used to finance the malicious text message sent to PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, along with a mobile phone store employee who allegedly maintained links with Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP).

Who Is Seeking Compensation?

The plaintiffs represent a broad cross-section of Greek public life, highlighting the wide scope of the surveillance operation.

Those participating in the lawsuit include:

• investigative journalist Thanasis Koukakis;
• cybersecurity specialist and former Meta executive Artemis Seaford;
• former Director of the Hellenic Police Forensic Science Division Penelope Miniati;
• former adviser to MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos Antonia Primpa;
• former National Intelligence Service officers Angeliki Roussou and Zoe Maria Sakkali;
• lawyer Ioannis Fytilis;
• journalist Spyros Sideris.

“A Lifetime of Uncertainty”

In their legal filing, the plaintiffs argue that they continue to live under what they describe as a permanent state of uncertainty because they have no way of knowing exactly what personal information was extracted from their devices or who may still possess or exploit that material.

According to the lawsuit:

“We are victims of a unique form of hostage situation that will follow us throughout our lives, since we cannot know who may eventually use the information obtained through our entirely unlawful surveillance.”

The plaintiffs argue that the malicious text messages, the installation of Predator and the subsequent access to their mobile devices formed part of a coordinated and carefully organized operation requiring technical planning, financial resources and operational coordination.

National Security Concerns

One of the most significant testimonies comes from Penelope Miniati, former head of the Hellenic Police’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

Miniati states that during the relevant period she handled highly classified investigations involving terrorism, espionage, organized crime and matters of national security.

She argues that if her phone had been infected with Predator, operators could have remotely activated both its microphone and camera, potentially gaining access not only to private communications but also to confidential meetings involving prosecutors, senior police commanders, intelligence officials, foreign diplomats, embassy representatives and international organizations.

According to her lawsuit, such access could have exposed sensitive information relating to terrorism investigations, ISIS-related cases, espionage operations and other issues directly affecting Greece’s national security.

Diplomatic and Foreign Policy Implications

Journalist Spyros Sideris, founder of the Independent Balkan News Agency (IBNA), also highlights the broader geopolitical implications of the surveillance.

During the period in question, Sideris specialized in foreign affairs and diplomacy, conducting interviews and maintaining contacts with prime ministers, presidents, foreign ministers and senior officials across Greece, the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

He argues that unauthorized access to his communications could have compromised confidential discussions involving regional diplomacy and international relations.

More Evidence Expected

Attorney Zacharias Kesses, representing the plaintiffs, says the civil claims rely not only on findings already established during the recent criminal proceedings but also on extensive evidence gathered through both Greek and international investigations.

He further states that additional evidence will be introduced during the civil trial, potentially prompting the court to refer new material back to criminal prosecutors for investigation of possible felony offenses involving additional individuals.

The Predator Affair Enters Its Most Significant Legal Chapter

Until now, public debate surrounding the Predator scandal has largely focused on political responsibility, parliamentary investigations and criminal proceedings.

The civil lawsuits introduce a different dimension. Beyond determining whether unlawful surveillance occurred, the courts will now assess the extent of the personal damage suffered by the victims and examine the potential civil liability of both individuals and companies allegedly involved in the spyware ecosystem.

The fact that the plaintiffs include senior police officials, intelligence officers, journalists, cybersecurity experts and legal professionals underscores that the case extends well beyond personal privacy. It raises fundamental questions about the rule of law, democratic oversight, national security and the protection of confidential communications within state institutions.

The outcome of these proceedings is expected to become a significant legal precedent—not only in Greece but also across Europe—as governments and courts continue to grapple with the expanding use of commercial spyware and the accountability of those involved in its development, distribution and deployment.

Source: pagenews.gr