NGO Leader to File Criminal Complaint Over Alleged Cyber Espionage Using Military-Grade Software

Luca Casarini, the mission chief and founder of the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, announced on Thursday his intention to file a criminal complaint with prosecutors in Rome or Palermo. This comes in light of allegations that Paragon Solutions, a company known for its military-grade hacking software, used its technology to spy on him and 90 other individuals.

Casarini has stated that his legal team is preparing to present a formal complaint regarding the matter. He emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation into not only what transpired but also who authorized the surveillance of his phone utilizing Paragon’s software.

Mediterranea Saving Humans received an alarming notification from Meta, the organization that oversees the WhatsApp messaging service, revealing that Casarini's phone had been compromised through an advanced spyware operation. The software implicated has been characterized among the most sophisticated surveillance tools available globally.

According to an exclusive report published by The Guardian, Paragon Solutions was previously linked to the surveillance of nearly 90 individuals—comprising journalists and activists—across two dozen countries. The report indicated that Paragon has since terminated its client relationship with the Italian government after allegations of misuse came to light.

Paragon suspended its contract with Italy shortly after initial reports of potential abuse emerged, taking 'an abundance of caution.' Further investigation prompted the company to fully terminate the contract citing violations of the agreed terms of service and ethical framework by Italy, as reported by anonymous sources familiar with the situation.

On the same day, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed that seven citizens had reportedly been targeted in the spyware operation. Officially, the government has denied any involvement from domestic intelligence services or the executive branch in orchestrating these breaches.

Paragon Solutions markets its surveillance technology as a tool for government clients intended to curb criminal activity. However, uncertainties remain regarding whether specific government entities directly ordered the alleged spying activities.

Markus Lammert, spokesperson for the European Commission, indicated that the responsibility for investigating these allegations lies with national authorities, not with the EU executive branch. He remarked that any unlawful access to citizens' data, particularly that which concerns journalists and political adversaries, is categorically unacceptable if substantiated.

Additionally, Lammert highlighted protections under the European Media Freedom Act, which guarantees specific rights for journalists amid escalating concerns about digital privacy and freedom of expression in Europe.

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