Polish PM calls Pegasus spyware data revelations a 'crime against the state'

Poland's prime minister has described recent revelations about the use of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as a "crime against the state," following prosecutors' findings that data gathered through the software was transferred outside the country.

According to prosecutors, the transfer of data beyond Poland's borders raised concerns that the spyware's Israeli manufacturer may have gained access to sensitive information collected during surveillance operations conducted using the tool.

Pegasus, developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, has been at the center of surveillance controversies in multiple countries, with investigations in several nations alleging that the software was used to monitor journalists, opposition politicians, lawyers and activists.

In Poland, the use of Pegasus has been a politically charged issue for several years, with previous governments accused of deploying the spyware against political opponents and critics, allegations that fueled a broader domestic investigation into its use.

The latest findings regarding data transfers outside the country add a new dimension to the controversy, raising questions about oversight of how surveillance data collected domestically may have been accessed or stored by parties outside Poland's jurisdiction.

Prosecutors have not detailed the full scope of the data transferred or confirmed which specific individuals or operations were affected, as the investigation into the matter continues.

The Polish government has signaled it intends to pursue further investigation into the matter, with officials indicating that additional findings could be released as the inquiry progresses.