Key Points:
- A Spanish judge closed the Pegasus spyware probe after Israel failed to answer legal requests.
- The investigation focused on the unauthorized hacking of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s mobile device.
- This is the second time the case has been archived due to a lack of international cooperation.
The Spanish High Court has officially suspended its investigation into the illegal use of Pegasus spyware. Judge José Luis Calama stated that the probe cannot proceed without essential information from the Israeli government. Despite multiple requests for assistance, Israeli authorities have reportedly provided no formal response to the Spanish judiciary.
The case involves the hacking of mobile phones belonging to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and several cabinet ministers. Forensic analysis previously confirmed that the devices were infected with the sophisticated Pegasus software during 2021. The breach resulted in the theft of significant amounts of data from the nation’s top leaders.
Pegasus is a powerful surveillance tool developed by the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group. The software allows operators to remotely access messages, photos, and microphones on targeted smartphones. The company maintains that it only sells its products to vetted government agencies for the purpose of fighting crime.
This legal inquiry has been a source of significant political tension within Spain and abroad. While the Spanish government initially pointed to external actors, the exact source of the hacks remains officially unconfirmed. The lack of progress in the courts has frustrated many who are seeking transparency regarding national security.
Judge Calama had sought to interview the CEO of NSO Group and inspect the software’s internal code. These requests were funneled through international legal channels known as letters rogatory. However, without a signature or response from Jerusalem, the Spanish court remains unable to link the hacks to a specific actor.
The investigation was previously reopened last year after new evidence emerged from European Union judicial bodies. However, the judge noted that the current situation represents a complete dead end for the Spanish legal system. The case will remain archived until new information or cooperation from Israel becomes available to the court.
Rights groups have frequently criticized the use of Pegasus against journalists, activists, and politicians worldwide. This latest development in Spain highlights the difficulty of holding digital surveillance providers accountable across international borders. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current global digital privacy laws.
The Spanish government has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the latest suspension of the probe. Ministers have previously stated they are committed to finding the truth behind the 2021 security breaches. However, the diplomatic sensitivity of the situation continues to complicate the pursuit of a clear answer.
The NSO Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing, stating its technology is used to save lives globally. The company claims it has no visibility into how its clients actually deploy the software after purchase. This “black box” nature of the industry makes judicial investigations notoriously difficult to complete.
For now, the Pegasus scandal remains an open wound in Spanish politics and a mystery for national security. The closure of the probe signifies a major challenge for sovereignty in the age of advanced cyber warfare. Until international cooperation improves, many similar cases may face a similar fate in courts globally.
