The “Predator” scandal returns to the spotlight in Greece, Antonis Samaras calls for full clarification

The “Predator” case has once again been thrust into the spotlight in Greece.

The wiretapping scandal involving the illegal Predator software has re-entered both political and judicial debate following two major developments: former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has called for a full investigation into the case, while eight people who claim they were spied on have filed a lawsuit against the company Intellexa and those they consider responsible, seeking 7.6 million euros in damages.

The issue first erupted in 2022, when it emerged that dozens of journalists, politicians, businessmen, senior state officials and security service officers had been placed under surveillance. Predator infected mobile phones through messages containing fake links. The moment a victim clicked on them, the phone was turned into a surveillance device, giving operators access to conversations, messages, emails and photographs, as well as use of the microphone and camera.

Among the best-known names involved in the scandal were PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, journalist Thanasis Koukakis, former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, government ministers, army and police chiefs, as well as a large number of other officials. A few months ago, a Greek court found four executives linked to the Predator network guilty in the first instance.

Antonis Samaras, who was expelled a year ago from New Democracy and at a time when there is speculation that he could create a new party in opposition to current Prime Minister Mitsotakis, has now appealed to the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court requesting a full investigation into the infection of his phone with Predator. He says he has long sought explanations from the government, but without receiving any response. For its part, the government, through its spokesperson, has repeatedly stated that the matter now belongs to the justice system.

At the same time, eight people listed as having been monitored by Predator have filed a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for violations of privacy and personal data. Seven of them are each seeking 1 million euros, while another is seeking 600,000 euros. The court proceedings have been scheduled for April 7, 2027.

The eight plaintiffs are journalist Thanasis Koukakis, cybersecurity expert Artemis Seaford, former Greek Police official Pinelopi Miniati, former associate of MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos, Antonia Primpa, two employees of the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP), Angeliki Roussou and Zoi Maria Sakkali, lawyer Ioannis Fytilis, and journalist Spyros Sideris.

According to the lawsuit, the consequences of the surveillance are not limited only to the victims’ private lives, but also affect highly sensitive data. Former police official Pinelopi Miniati claims that her phone may have been used to intercept communications with prosecutors, police chiefs, diplomats and senior state officials, an element which, according to the plaintiffs, is also linked to issues of national security.