The U.S. Treasury Department is imposing new sanctions targeting five executives and one entity linked to Intellexa and the distribution of Predator spyware.
Intellexa is a network of decentralized companies that developed and sold “Predator.” This spyware allowed Intellexa’s customers—primarily government agencies and corporations—to access sensitive information on their targets’ smartphones.
Intellexa's spyware tools have been used to target government officials, journalists, policy experts, military personnel, technology executives, and opposition politicians worldwide and in the United States.
See also: Apple Drops Spyware Case Against NSO Group
Predator – Greece
The confirmed targets of the Predator spyware include individuals who were simultaneously being monitored by the National Intelligence Service, citing national security concerns. Among the most notable cases of the two surveillance methods collaborating are those of journalist Thanasis Koukakis, PASOK chairman Nikos Androulakis , and business executive Artemis Seaford, who is also an American citizen.
Predator – USA
The use of Predator to monitor American citizens, as well as government officials from foreign countries, was the main reason why the US government decided in July 2023 to put the Greek Intellexa AE and three other affiliated legal entities in North Macedonia, Ireland and Hungary on the Commerce Department's "blacklist".
In March 2024, the US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions, which also affected individuals. The US targeted Intellexa founder Tal Dillian and Sarah Alexandra Hamoufor their help in setting up Intellexa's corporate network in Greece and elsewhere around the world. The sanctions also targeted the flagship of the corporate group, the Irish Thalestris Limited, which held the distribution rights to Predator.
Later, the US said it would also impose sanctions on any third party doing business with entities or individuals already sanctioned for association with Intellexa and Predator spyware.
See also: Predator Spyware Resurfaces with Increased Danger
USA: New sanctions
US: New sanctions, announced on Monday, target Intellexa executives and a company:
- Felix Bitzios: Manager of Intellexa SA and owner of an Intellexa Consortium company, which supplied a foreign state client with the Predator spyware,
- Andrea Nicola Constantino Hermes Gambazzi: The beneficial owner of Thalestris Limited and Intellexa Limited, members of the Intellexa Consortium,
- Merom Harpaz: Director of Intellexa SA and top executive of Intellexa Consortium,
- Panagiota Karaoli: Director of many bodies of the Intellexa Consortium,
- Artemis Artemiou: General Manager and member of the board of directors of Cytrox Holdings (member of the Intellexa Consortium)
- Aliada GroupInc: Company – member of the Intellexa Consortium that has enabled transactions worth tens of millions of dollars involving the spyware network
"The United States will not tolerate the misuse of technologies that undermine the national security of Americans or our allies, nor will we tolerate the misuse of technologies to violate human rights or undermine freedom of expression," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
«Today, we are imposing sanctions on five individuals and one entity associated with the Intellexa Consortium for their role in developing, operating, and distributing commercial spyware technology that is being misused to target Americans, including U.S. government officials, journalists, and policy experts».
Intellexa AE seemingly ceased operations in Greece at the end of August 2022, due to the wiretapping. The company's employees had stopped working in the offices as early as April 2022, when the inside story revealed the first confirmed infection of an EU citizen with the Predator spyware (victim Thanasis Koukakis).
See also: EU: Activists call for stricter measures against spyware
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However, a more recent report by Recorded Future reveals that the creator of the infamous Predator spyware has moved to new infrastructure and upgraded its detection evasion tactics. The tracking tool has been detected in multiple countries, including Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
How can someone protect their digital life from spyware?
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is to use reputable security. These programs scan your device for spyware and remove it. They also offer real-time protection, alerting you when an app tries to install spyware on your device.
It's also important to keep your operating system and all programs up to date. These updates often include security fixes that can help protect your computer from spyware.
See also: Android spyware Mandrake hides in apps on Google Play
Another important tip is to be careful with the emails and messages you receive. This software is often spread through phishing, where attackers try to convince you to click on a malicious link or open a dangerous attachment.
Finally, it's important to always have backups of your important files. While this won't protect you directly, it will help you recover your data if your device is compromised.
Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com
