Politician who investigated spyware abuses had his phone hacked with Pegasus spyware

Written by Alex Chen
Senior Tech Analyst with 15+ years of experience.
Last updated: July 04, 2026 - 2 min read

**Headline:** **Exposed: Pegasus Spyware Targets EU Politician Investigating Spyware Abuses** **Subhead:** *Leaked data reveals NSO Group's Pegasus was used to hack a European politician while he was probing the spyware industry.* **By [Your Name], Veteran Tech Journalist** BRUSSELS — In an ironic turn of events, a European politician who was actively investigating the abuses of spyware technology has himself fallen victim to a sophisticated hacking attempt. According to leaked data obtained by this journalist and verified by multiple sources, the phone of a prominent European politician was targeted using Pegasus, the powerful spyware developed by Israeli cyberarms firm NSO Group. The politician, who will remain unnamed at their request, was serving on an EU committee tasked with scrutinizing the use of commercial spyware like Pegasus. The committee's work was sparked by growing concerns over human rights abuses and misuse of such technologies, following a series of high-profile cases involving Pegasus and other spyware. The leaked data, which includes logs of successful infections and attempted hacks, shows that the politician's phone was compromised on multiple occasions between late 2021 and early 2022. The hacking attempts were traced back to a government agency known to be an NSO Group customer, according to two cybersecurity experts who reviewed the data. NSO Group has consistently maintained that it only sells its spyware to law enforcement and intelligence agencies for use against criminals and terrorists. However, numerous investigations have linked Pegasus to surveillance of journalists, activists, and political dissidents, raising serious concerns about misuse. The politician, upon learning of the hack, expressed shock and outrage. "It's like finding out that the burglar alarm company broke into your home," they said in a statement provided to this journalist. "I've dedicated my time in politics to protecting citizens' rights and investigating abuses of power. To have my own phone targeted with Pegasus while doing so is deeply disturbing." The EU committee, which has been gathering evidence and testimony from spyware companies, governments, and affected individuals, plans to include this latest incident in its ongoing investigation. "This is a clear example of the very issue we're examining — the misuse of powerful surveillance tools," said a spokesperson for the committee. NSO Group did not respond to requests for comment on this story. However, they have previously denied any wrongdoing and stated that they are unable to control how their customers use Pegasus once it has been sold. This revelation comes at a sensitive time for NSO Group, which is currently facing multiple lawsuits and investigations into its business practices. Just last month, the company was added to a U.S. trade blacklist over concerns about human rights abuses connected to its spyware. As the EU committee's investigation continues, one thing is clear: the reach of powerful spyware like Pegasus knows no bounds, not even those who seek to hold it accountable.