The wiretapping scandal in Greece grows: 32 names have been revealed

In the Document newspaper news, it was claimed that the spyware program called “Predator” was used by the Greek Intelligence Agency (EYP) during wiretaps carried out with the knowledge of Greek Prime Minister Kiryakos Mitsotakis.

The news, which is based on anonymous sources, included the names of 32 people from the political, media and business worlds on the “listener list”.

Former Prime Minister Samaras, former Citizen Protection Ministers Mihalis Hrisohoidis and Olga Yerovasili, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, Development and Investment Minister Andonis Yeorgiadis, former Health Minister Vasilis Kikilias, the editor-in-chief of Kathimerini newspaper Alexis Papahelas, Deputy Defense Minister Nikos Hardalias, Finance Minister Christos Staikuras, Labor Minister Kostis Hacidakis, local administrators and opposition figures were also present.

In the news, it was claimed that close colleagues of Miçotakis, as well as possible rivals within the party, were on the list, and that some people were tapped on the phones of their spouses and close circles.

The newspaper claimed that Mitsotakis was fully responsible for the scandal.

THE LISTENING SCANDAL GROWS

The International Press Institute (IPI) reported in April that Greek journalist Thanasis Kukakis’ cell phone was tracked with spyware called “Predator” for 10 weeks in 2021.

Nikos Andrulakis, leader of the Movement for Change (KINAL) opposition party and member of the European Parliament (EP), and Christos Spirtzis, deputy of the main opposition party Radical Left Alliance (SYRIZA), also filed a criminal complaint alleging that he was not an attempt to install the “Predator” spyware program on their phones.

The secretary general of the prime minister, Grigoris Dimitriadis, who is alleged to have business relations with EYP president Panagiotis Kontoleon and “Predator”, and who is also Mitsotakis’s nephew, resigned from his duties due to the scandal. (AA)