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A recent investigation has unveiled significant allegations regarding the Moroccan government’s use of the controversial Pegasus spyware to surveil not only domestic dissidents but also foreign political figures and journalists. The revelations, backed by a whistleblower from Morocco’s intelligence services, have raised grave concerns over privacy violations and international diplomatic relations.
Insights from a Whistleblower
A former agent of Morocco’s Direction Générale de la Surveillance du Territoire (DGST) has provided critical information suggesting that the Moroccan authorities have been deploying Pegasus spyware since 2017. The whistleblower, who has adopted the pseudonym ‘Safir’, disclosed that the software was utilised against a range of targets, including journalists, human rights advocates, and notable political figures in both France and Spain.
Pegasus, developed by the Israeli NSO Group, is designed to offer extensive access to a target’s mobile device—enabling operators to monitor emails, messages, and even activate microphones and cameras without the user’s knowledge. While NSO Group maintains that its products are intended for governmental use in combating crime and terrorism, evidence suggests that several states, including Morocco, have allegedly used the technology to suppress dissent and surveil political opponents.
The Scope of Surveillance
Safir’s testimony has played a pivotal role in a collaborative investigation led by the Moroccan journalist Hicham Mansouri, involving multiple media organisations and technical expertise from Amnesty International’s Security Lab. The investigation has revealed that in 2017, high-ranking Moroccan officials were shown the potential of Pegasus in a luxury villa in Rabat. This demonstration seemingly marked the beginning of a new era of sophisticated surveillance in Morocco.
According to Safir, before the adoption of Pegasus, the DGST relied on traditional intelligence methods, including the infiltration of internet cafes and the use of pre-infected devices. The introduction of Pegasus allowed the agency to target high-profile individuals without direct physical access to their devices, significantly enhancing their capabilities.
Targeting Political Figures
The investigation has found that the targeting of foreign nationals escalated quickly after the initial deployment of Pegasus. Notably, a Spanish human rights activist, Aminatou Haidar, was identified as a target, with traces of the spyware discovered on her devices as early as 2018. Furthermore, in 2022, it was revealed that the mobile phones of prominent Spanish politicians, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles, had been infected with the spyware during a tense diplomatic standoff between Spain and Morocco.
This targeting coincided with Spain’s decision to grant medical assistance to a leader of the Polisario Front, a group seeking independence for Western Sahara. The revelations have deepened existing diplomatic rifts, with accusations flying between Madrid and Rabat regarding the espionage activities.
Legal and Diplomatic Ramifications
Despite ongoing judicial inquiries and mounting evidence of the Moroccan state’s involvement in the surveillance of Spanish officials, efforts to hold accountable those responsible have faced significant obstacles. Spanish judicial authorities have struggled to make progress, citing a lack of cooperation from Israeli authorities, which has raised questions about the integrity of international relations surrounding the use of surveillance technology.
Moreover, the situation has sparked criticism within Spain, particularly after Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska presented a significant award to Abdellatif Hammouchi, head of Morocco’s DGST, despite allegations of human rights violations against his agency. Such actions have drawn ire from civil society groups and have been described as a betrayal by those advocating for accountability and justice.
Why it Matters
The implications of these revelations extend far beyond the immediate concerns of privacy and surveillance. They highlight a troubling trend of state-sponsored monitoring that threatens democratic freedoms and the safety of individuals who dare to speak out against oppressive regimes. As international scrutiny of Moroccan practices grows, the need for transparent dialogue and robust legal frameworks to protect civil liberties becomes increasingly urgent. The use of advanced technology for surveillance must be critically examined to prevent the erosion of trust in governmental institutions and to uphold the fundamental rights of individuals globally.