Spain's former intelligence chief under scanner for spying on Catalan separatists

Paz Esteban, Spain’s former intelligence head, has been declared a suspect by a court in Barcelona that is looking into claims that Pegasus malware was used to allegedly spy on prominent Catalan separatists, according to a court document that was made public on Monday. The court has also asked Esteban to testify.

Over 60 individuals associated with the Catalan separatist movement, including regional leader Pere Aragones and several of his predecessors, were targeted by Pegasus, a tool created by Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group, according to a report released last year by the Canadian Citizen Lab group.

The minority administration refused to confirm listening in on Catalans and claimed the software had also been used to eavesdrop on other people after being pressed to explain itself by Catalonia’s pro-independence party ERC, a significant government supporter in parliament.

The resulting political unrest resulted in Esteban’s dismissal in May 2022.

The accusation against her and NSO Group was made by Aragones, who was vice-president of the Catalan government at the time of the alleged spying, in June 2022. The court accepted the allegation on October 6, according to the document.

On December 13, the investigating judge requested testimony from Esteban and Aragones.

Due to Israel’s lack of cooperation, an inquiry into the use of Pegasus to spy on Spanish politicians, including Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and numerous ministries, was put on hold earlier this year.

The Socialist-led government is still in place as a caretaker following an inconclusive election in July. Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is vying for a new term in the parliament, but he needs the backing of the two separatist parties in Catalonia.

If not, Spain will probably require new elections early the next year.

(With agency inputs)