Poland investigates Pegasus spyware access by NSO Group

Polish prosecutors and intelligence experts have concluded that the Pegasus spyware, developed by Israel’s NSO Group, allowed for unauthorized data transmission and limited state control. Investigations by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) revealed that Poland’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) did not have full control over the system, lacking passwords to certain administrative accounts.

The findings indicate that NSO Group retained technical access to the surveillance infrastructure used to collect data from mobile devices. This access allowed data to be transmitted outside of Poland without the knowledge or consent of users. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as “a crime against the state,” accusing previous administrations of allowing foreign entities to access sensitive information regarding Polish citizens, opposition politicians, and prosecutors.

Despite these security concerns, Poland continues to procure Israeli defense systems. The revelations occur as Poland explores diversifying its security partnerships, with defense strategists noting an expanding footprint for Turkish defense companies in the region.