EU lawmaker who investigated Pegasus Spyware was also hacked, researchers say

A former Member of the European Parliament who helped investigate the misuse of Pegasus spyware was himself targeted by the same surveillance tool, according to a new report by cybersecurity researchers at Citizen Lab. The report states that Greek journalist-turned-politician Stelios Kouloglou was hacked at least three times between October 2022 and March 2023 while serving on the European Parliament's committee investigating illegal spyware use across Europe.

Researchers said Kouloglou's iPhone was infected using Pegasus, spyware developed by Israeli company NSO Group, which has faced global scrutiny over allegations that its software has been used to monitor journalists, activists, politicians, and government critics.

Citizen Lab could not identify who carried out the hacking but described the case as a serious concern for democratic institutions and parliamentary security. NSO Group has repeatedly maintained that it sells Pegasus only to government agencies for use against criminals and terrorists.

The findings have renewed calls for stricter oversight of commercial spyware and stronger protections for lawmakers and journalists. Experts warned that the incident highlights the growing risks posed by advanced surveillance technologies and the need for greater accountability in their use.