A scandal is erupting in Spain that could reshape attitudes towards digital security and government surveillance. For the first time, former leaders of the Guardia Civil are under investigation over alleged use of spyware against independence supporters. This development may erode trust in law enforcement and spark new debates about the limits of state action in dealing with political dissent.
A Barcelona court has officially charged two former directors of the Guardia Civil — Félix Vicente Azón and María Gámez. They are suspected of involvement in unauthorized surveillance of Catalan independence activists using Pegasus and Candiru software. Among the victims is businessman Joan Matamala, along with four other citizens who filed a joint complaint.
New defendants
As part of the investigation, Paz Esteban, the former head of the National Intelligence Center (CNI), has also been implicated — her fifth such accusation to date. For the first time in Spanish history, representatives from spyware technology companies are being investigated: NSO Group, creator of Pegasus, and Saito Tech Ltd, behind Candiru.
Judge Miriam de Rosa Palacio has decided to widen the circle of suspects after reviewing a complaint detailing potential violations involving access to private information and unauthorized entry into electronic systems. Investigators believe that the suspects’ actions may have led to the disclosure of personal data and breaches of correspondence confidentiality.
Technology under suspicion
The use of Pegasus and Candiru has come under close scrutiny not only in Spain but worldwide. These programs allow discreet access to smartphones, enabling message reading, call monitoring, and location tracking. In this case, there are concerns that these tools might have been used against political opponents, which is causing particular alarm in society.
Previously, the court upheld the claims of five citizens, recognizing indications of crimes related to illegal access to computer systems and the disclosure of classified information. Now, investigators are trying to determine who issued the orders and how government agencies and private developers interacted.
Consequences for Spain
The case of surveillance against independent activists could set a precedent for the entire country. Questions about the transparency of intelligence services and the accountability of security agency leaders are coming to the forefront. Accusations against former high-ranking officials may prompt a reassessment of how digital technologies are used in the interests of the state.
Public concern is growing over possible violations of citizens’ rights and freedoms. There is active debate about tightening controls over the use of spyware and introducing new mechanisms to protect personal data. At the same time, many experts point out that such investigations could complicate the work of law enforcement in countering real threats.
Context and analogies
In recent years, Europe has faced a series of high-profile scandals involving the use of spy technologies against politicians, journalists, and activists. In Poland and Hungary, there have also been investigations into illegal surveillance with Pegasus. In some cases, this has led to the resignation of senior officials and revisions to data protection laws.
In Spain, the issue of digital surveillance and intrusion into private life remains one of the most pressing. Public attention to such cases does not fade, and each new investigation sparks heated debates about the balance between security and freedom. The question of the admissibility of using spyware for political purposes remains unresolved.
