The ‘Greek Watergate’ and a Conviction
Tal Dilian, the founder of spyware company Intellexa, isn’t going quietly. Following a Greek court’s decision to convict and sentence him to eight years in prison, Dilian has announced plans to appeal. His conviction, along with three other executives, centers on charges of illegally obtaining personal data as part of a massive wiretapping operation that rocked the nation.
This isn’t just another corporate scandal. Dubbed the “Greek Watergate,” the affair saw the phones of senior ministers, opposition leaders, military brass, and journalists infiltrated by Intellexa’s Predator spyware. This powerful tool can crack iPhones and Android devices, silently harvesting call logs, texts, emails, and location data—often with just a single malicious click from the target.
A Government Under Fire and a Claim of Scapegoating
The fallout was immediate and severe. Revelations about the hacking of journalists’ phones forced the resignations of top officials, including the head of Greece’s national intelligence service and a senior aide to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Yet, despite the political tremors, no government official has faced conviction. Critics have long accused the Mitsotakis administration of orchestrating a cover-up.
Now, Dilian is fueling those accusations. In a statement first reported by Reuters, the convicted spyware magnate declared he would not be a “scapegoat.” This pointed remark stands as the most direct insinuation from within Intellexa that the Greek government itself sanctioned the widespread surveillance.
“I believe a conviction without evidence is not justice,” Dilian told Reuters. “It could be part of a cover-up and even a crime.” He added that he is prepared to hand over evidence to both national and international regulators, a challenge that puts further pressure on Athens.
The Global Reach of Predator and Mounting Pressure
Dilian’s defense hinges on a key industry claim. He told Reuters that advanced surveillance technologies like Predator are almost exclusively sold to sovereign governments. The implication is clear: if the tool was used, a government client was responsible for its lawful—or unlawful—application.
The scandal’s ripples extend far beyond Greece. The United States government imposed sanctions on Dilian in 2024 after Predator was discovered on the phones of American officials and journalists. These sanctions effectively criminalize any business dealings with Dilian and his associates, isolating him on the global stage.
As Dilian prepares his appeal, the central question remains unanswered. Who, ultimately, gave the order? The convicted businessman’s claim of scapegoating ensures the shadow of the “Greek Watergate” will linger over the government for some time to come.
