Catalan Court Allows Charges Against NSO Group Executives in Spyware Case

Spyware Executives Face Indictment in Barcelona Hacking Case

A legal decision in Barcelona has paved the way for the potential indictment of key figures associated with the NSO Group, a company specializing in spyware development.

Details of the Ruling

Specifically, Omri Lavie and Shalev Hulio, the co-founders of NSO Group, along with Yuval Somekh, a former executive from affiliated companies, are now eligible to be formally charged.

This development stems from an investigation concerning the alleged hacking of Andreu Van den Eynde, a lawyer based in Catalonia.

Iridia's Role and Initial Opposition

The case was initiated by Iridia, a human rights organization located in Barcelona, which filed the original criminal complaint.

Initially, a lower court declined to pursue charges against Lavie, Hulio, and Somekh alongside their respective companies.

However, Iridia successfully appealed this decision, leading to a reversal by the higher court.

Significance of the Decision

“This ruling establishes a crucial legal benchmark in the ongoing efforts to combat spyware-related espionage within Europe,” stated Lucía Foraster Garriga, a spokesperson for Iridia, to TechCrunch.

She further emphasized that the individuals involved will now be subject to personal accountability through the judicial process.

NSO Group's Response and Lack of Comment from Individuals

NSO Group offered a concise response to the situation, with spokesperson Gil Lanier stating, “We have no comment,” in an email to TechCrunch.

Attempts to obtain comments from Lavie, Hulio, and Somekh directly through TechCrunch were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to inquiries.

Further Implications

• The ruling allows for the prosecution of individuals, not just companies, involved in alleged spyware misuse.
• It highlights the growing legal scrutiny surrounding the spyware industry.
• The case could set a precedent for future investigations into similar incidents across Europe.