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A whistleblower’s revelations have cast a harsh light on Morocco’s alleged use of the notorious Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israel-based NSO Group. The former intelligence operative’s account details how the Moroccan government purportedly deployed this invasive technology against a range of targets, including journalists, human rights advocates, and foreign politicians. This unsettling exposé raises serious questions about the extent of state surveillance and the implications for global human rights.
The Whistleblower’s Testimony
In a groundbreaking investigation, a former member of Morocco’s Direction Générale de la Surveillance du Territoire (DGST) has provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the kingdom’s intelligence apparatus. The whistleblower, who goes by the pseudonym Safir, alleges that the Moroccan security services have been utilising Pegasus since 2017 to monitor both domestic and foreign adversaries. This includes high-profile figures such as Spanish cabinet ministers and French politicians.
The NSO Group asserts that Pegasus is intended solely for tracking criminals and terrorists; however, the evidence suggests a different narrative. Safir’s testimony, corroborated by leaked documents and the findings of an extensive investigation led by Moroccan journalist Hicham Mansouri, paints a picture of a regime willing to suppress dissent through advanced technological means.
High-Stakes Surveillance
The Pegasus spyware offers an alarming capability: it grants its operator access to nearly every facet of a target’s mobile device, from emails and texts to real-time audio and video. This level of intrusion has been reportedly demonstrated for high-ranking Moroccan officials in a luxury villa in Rabat, where NSO representatives showcased the software’s remarkable ability to infiltrate devices remotely.
According to Safir, the Moroccan intelligence community quickly recognised the “revolutionary” potential of Pegasus. Prior to its adoption, the DGST relied on more rudimentary methods, such as human intelligence and the implantation of older spyware on devices, but Pegasus represented a significant leap forward. “We never start with Pegasus,” Safir remarked. “It’s the monster’s weapon,” reserved for high-value targets when cheaper options were exhausted.
Targeting Foreign Dissent
The implications of Morocco’s surveillance activities extend well beyond its borders. Evidence from the investigation reveals that a number of prominent Spanish figures, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles, were targeted by Pegasus spyware amid a diplomatic spat between Spain and Morocco. The targeting of more than 200 Spanish numbers aligns with heightened tensions surrounding Spain’s support for the Polisario Front, a group advocating for Western Sahara’s independence.
Despite the gravity of these allegations, judicial inquiries in Spain have been fraught with setbacks. Investigations have repeatedly stalled, hampered by a lack of cooperation from Israeli authorities and a failure to hold accountable those responsible for the espionage. Meanwhile, the fallout from these revelations has strained diplomatic relations, with Spanish officials caught between their alliance with Morocco and the troubling implications of state-sponsored surveillance.
Morocco’s Denials and International Ramifications
Morocco has steadfastly denied any involvement in the surveillance of critics or foreign officials, branding allegations as unfounded. Yet, the mounting evidence—including Safir’s testimony and corroborating accounts from other former intelligence agents—paints a different picture. The DGST’s alleged willingness to target its own allies, such as the Guardia Civil officers in Spain, highlights a troubling trend in state surveillance practices.
The fallout from these revelations extends beyond Morocco’s borders. The NSO Group’s placement on a US blacklist in late 2021 underscores the growing international scrutiny of surveillance technologies. As nations grapple with the implications of such tools, the urgent need for global standards governing their use becomes increasingly apparent.
Why it Matters
The exposure of Morocco’s alleged surveillance practices using Pegasus highlights a significant threat to civil liberties and human rights, not just in Morocco but globally. As states increasingly resort to high-tech espionage to silence dissent, the need for transparency and accountability grows ever more critical. This investigation serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between national security and individual privacy, compelling a reassessment of how far governments are willing to go in the name of control. The implications reverberate far beyond Morocco, signalling a potential shift in how nations view and enact surveillance in an increasingly digital world.