Colombian Government’s $11 Million Pegasus Spyware Purchase
Israeli Spyware Scandal Unveiled in Colombia
A recent statement made by Petro on social media has shed light on a controversial issue involving Israeli citizens and the Colombian government. According to the information disclosed by Petro, Oded Gindi, along with Yehuda Lahav, the business manager of NSO Group, landed in Colombia with a substantial amount of cash to purchase the notorious Pegasus spyware.
The transaction, amounting to a total of 11 million dollars, was carried out discreetly, with the funds being transferred from Bogota to Tel Aviv between June and September 2021. The money, allegedly seized from drug organizations, was used to acquire the spyware, which was then utilized to monitor youth leaders and opposition figures in Colombia for over six months.
The scandal has raised concerns about the legality of the purchase, as well as the ethics of using spyware for surveillance purposes. While former President Ivan Duque denied allegations of acquiring Pegasus, evidence suggests otherwise. Reports indicate that Colombian Directorate of Intelligence (DNI) admitted to making payments to NSO Group through illicit means.
Director Jorge Lemus of DNI acknowledged the secretive nature of the transaction, stating that those involved were fully aware of the illegalities of their actions. As investigations unfold, high-ranking officials and military officers of the Duque government are expected to face scrutiny for their involvement in the scandal.
The use of Pegasus spyware, known for its intrusive capabilities such as phone tapping and email monitoring, has sparked outrage worldwide. With its potential for privacy breaches and abuse, the revelation of its purchase through money laundering has further fueled the debate on surveillance practices.
As the attorney general’s office prepares to launch a thorough investigation into the matter, the Colombian public awaits answers regarding the extent of government involvement and the implications of using spyware for clandestine purposes. The unfolding of this scandal serves as a cautionary tale against the misuse of advanced surveillance technologies for political gain.
