European Parliament asks Europol to investigate the use of Pegasus in Spain

The European Parliament’s inquiry committee for Pegasus and other spyware has sent a letter to Europol’s Executive Director Catherine de Bolle, asking the security agency to investigate abuses committed with this software in the EU. “Since July 2021, there have been revelations about the illegitimate use of this spyware against citizens. Among the targets are journalists, politicians, NGOs and government leaders from Hungary, Poland, Spain, Greece and the European Commission,” reads the letter.

‼️ @EP_PegaInquiry MEPs sent a letter to @Europol Executive Director Catherine de Bolle asking the agency to propose investigations into spyware abuses in 🇪🇺.

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— PEGA Committee Press (@EP_PegaInquiry) October 3, 2022

In this sense, the committee reminds the Executive Director that Europol has the powers to propose investigations into criminal acts in specific states of the EU that may affect the common interest, as is the case of spying with Pegasus and other software. The proposals do not necessarily oblige the states to take relevant steps, but the committee considers that the security agency must do everything possible to clear all responsibilities.