Latest U.S. Sanctions Target Intellexa Executives and Associates Involved in Spyware Sales
The U.S. Treasury has announced fresh financial sanctions against five individuals and a corporate entity linked to the spyware-making consortium Intellexa, known for its Predator phone spyware. The sanctions target senior Intellexa executives and associates allegedly selling the spyware to authoritarian governments.
The sanctioned individuals include Felix Bitzios, Merom Harpaz, Panagiota Karaoli, and Andrea Nicola Constantino Hermes Gambazzi, along with the Aliada Group, a member of the Intellexa group of companies based in the British Virgin Islands. These sanctions are part of the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to combat the commercial spyware industry.
Sanctions make it illegal for U.S. individuals or businesses to transact with these entities, preventing access to the spyware. This move follows previous sanctions against Intellexa's founder, Tal Dilian, for his role in creating and selling the Predator spyware.
Predator spyware allows for covert hacking of fully patched phones, granting complete access to the target's device, including private messages and real-time location. The spyware has been used to target U.S. government officials, journalists, and opposition politicians.
The U.S. government is expanding its sanctions approach, including visa restrictions for individuals involved in the misuse of commercial spyware. Executives in the spyware industry have expressed concerns about potential repercussions following these sanctions.
In conclusion, these sanctions target individuals and entities involved in the sale of spyware, aiming to disrupt the commercial spyware industry and protect individuals' privacy and security. Investors and businesses should be cautious when dealing with sanctioned entities to avoid legal implications and financial risks.