Serbia Allegedly Hits 14 Activists With Pegasus Spyware
Researchers said the spyware campaign hit student activists and opposition figures, with Apple notifications helping confirm the intrusions.
- On Wednesday, the SHARE Foundation reported that at least 14 Serbian civil society members were targeted with advanced mercenary spyware, identified following threat notifications sent by Apple.
- These infections coincided with March local elections viewed as a test for the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, following student protests sparked by the 2024 Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.
- Forensic analysis confirmed at least one device was compromised by Pegasus, developed by Israeli NSO Group, while two others were infected with NoviSpy; one Pegasus infection utilized a zero-click exploit.
- Donncha Cearbhaill, head of Amnesty International's Security Lab, stated these forensic findings show activists continue to face invasive surveillance, and Apple's recent security updates have since neutralized the specific exploits.
- Citizen Lab senior researcher John Scott-Railton noted that mercenary spyware continues to be used against those campaigning for democracy, warning this digital targeting serves as a preview of actions expected during October parliamentary elections.
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A press review prepared in partnership with the Courrier des Balkans.
Every time elections are held in Serbia, there are increasing numbers of government opponents and journalists who are spyed with illegal spying software. The installation of Pegasus software costs between 50,000 and 100,000 euros. Shalev Hulio, the Israeli short business partner, has co-developed the software.
At least 14 people were targeted for spying software in Serbia. Citizen Lab confirmed Pegasus among the tools used. Government rejects involvement.
Serbia: Organization Documents at Least 14 Attacks with Spying Software on People From Civil Society
At least 14 people from Serbia's civil society were apparently attacked with spying software, including members of the student movement.
At least 14 civil society members allegedly targeted with advanced spyware – Vucic government denies monitoring student movement
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 34% of the sources lean Left, 33% of the sources are Center, 33% of the sources lean Right
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