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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [INTERNATIONAL]

2 clusters · 12 sources · 7 days · First seen 9 days ago · Last updated 3 days ago

Moroccan intelligence Pegasus surveillance allegations

Overview

Mehdi Hijaouy, a former high-ranking figure within the Moroccan intelligence agency Direction des Etudes et de la Documentation (DGE), has been linked to the Pegasus spyware operation targeting Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Hijaouy, described as the technical architect of the operation, reportedly possesses documentation regarding the methods used and the 2.6 gigabytes of data extracted from Sánchez’s mobile device. He has expressed a willingness to release sensitive information to destabilize the Moroccan regime, citing fears for his life and the harassment of his family.

In the summer of 2024, Hijaouy sought protection in Spain by offering to share intelligence concerning Moroccan operations, including the surveillance of Spanish ministers, terrorism, and organized crime. While a formal proposal was sent to the Audiencia Nacional Prosecutor’s Office in October 2024, prosecutors directed him to the presiding judge. Following the rejection of his offer to collaborate, Hijaouy reportedly fled Spain via Turkey, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Entities

Mehdi Hijaouy · Pedro Sánchez · Audiencia Nacional · Moroccan intelligence services · Mohamed VI

Timeline

3 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 5 sources
Ex-Moroccan spy sought Spanish protection with intelligence offers
Former Moroccan intelligence agent Mehdi Hijaouy offered to share information on Pegasus spyware and organized crime with Spanish authorities in exchange for protection, but ultimately fled the country.
9 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 7 sources
Mehdi Hijaouy may reveal details of Pegasus operation against Pedro Sánchez
Former Moroccan intelligence official Mehdi Hijaouy may provide evidence regarding the Pegasus spyware operation used to infect Pedro Sánchez’s mobile phone.

Sources

20minutos.es · algerie7.com · dailydigest.ie · elnacional.cat · es.euronews.com · esdiario.com · euronews.com · it.euronews.com · labandera.es · lemaroc360.com · noticiasdemalaga.es · rss.elconfidencial.com