The founder of the cyber-surveillance firm Intellexa, Tal Dilian, maintains that his company provides technology exclusively to governments and law enforcement entities, a statement that could now intensify political pressure surrounding a major wiretapping scandal in Greece.

Dilian made the comment to journalist Dora Anagnostopoulou, speaking during the television program Mega Stories, which is aired on Mega Channel.

Dilian’s statements are significant, as they challenge the government’s narrative that the controversial surveillance software (spyware) was employed solely by private individuals. If the company’s clients are exclusively governments or law-enforcement agencies, as he said, then attention may once again turn to the Greek state and its institutions.

Political Implications

The issue also generates renewed scrutiny on Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the prime ministerial office, which was previously headed by Grigoris Dimitriadis, his nephew.

The controversy centers on the use of the spyware “Predator” and the role of Greece’s intelligence service, known as EYP. The scandal revolves around allegations that politicians, journalists, high-ranking military officers and other public figures were targeted with cyber surveillance.

Dimitriadis and former intelligence chief Panagiotis Kontoleon both resigned in 2022 after the scandal first erupted.

 Legal Developments

Dilian, along with his wife, Sara Alexandra Hamou, and businessmen Yannis Lavranos and Felix Biggio, was found guilty by an Athens first instance court in a case related to the wiretapping.

According to reports, the court proceedings and trial records are expected to be forwarded to prosecutors, so an investigation recommences, potentially reopening a broader scope int the surveillance network.

Dilian’s statement

According to the journalist’s account, Dilian contacted the producers of the current affairs program and agreed to answer one question regarding the identity of his clients in Greece.

In his response, he denied any wrongdoing and insisted his company operates within international regulations governing the export of cyber surveillance technologies.

“We operate strictly in accordance with European and international export regulations, providing technology only to governments and law-enforcement agencies,” Dilian said.

He also insisted that the company does not conduct surveillance operations itself and has no operational access to systems once they are delivered to clients.

Moreover, he added that responsibility for the legal use of such technologies lies with the authorities that acquire and operate them.

Export Controversy

The spyware export furor has also been linked to licensing decisions taken by Greece’s foreign ministry. During the trial, testimony suggested that export permits for the surveillance software were requested through the ministry, in order to achieve sales to third countries.

The money trail attracted attention at the European level as well, including scrutiny by the European Parliament and a relevant EP committee investigating spyware use across EU member states.

Ongoing Questions

Despite Dilian’s claims, nagging questions remain unresolved, including as to who authorized the surveillance operations, how targets were selected, and why some individuals reportedly appeared as targets in both state-sanctioned wiretapping and by those using the Predator spyware.

Observers say the case could result in further revelations, as legal proceedings continue and new evidence potentially emerges.