Colombian Officials Investigated for Pegasus Spyware Misuse
Colombian officials are reportedly under investigation for allegedly acquiring and misusing Pegasus spyware. President Gustavo Petro stated that a contractual link exists between the Procuradora and a retired general who directed the police intelligence directorate at the time of the acquisition, raising concerns about state surveillance and governance accountability.
What happened
Colombian officials are reportedly being investigated in connection with the acquisition and use of Pegasus spyware. President Gustavo Petro stated on November 4, 2024, that a contractual link exists between Procuradora Margarita Cabello and retired General Norberto Mujica, former director of the Dirección de Inteligencia Policial (Dipol), at the time of the Pegasus transaction.
Reported impact
President Petro characterized the alleged misuse as demonstrating "the link of the Colombian far-right with the integral rupture of democracy" and indicated that control organs in Colombia have been used for systematic persecution and political persecution rather than serving citizens.
Index analysis
The incident involves state surveillance capabilities and raises questions about oversight and accountability in Colombian law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, with President Petro calling for investigation of those who directed Dipol at the time of the spyware acquisition.
Governance controls
President Petro criticized Colombian control organs, particularly the Procuraduría, stating that Colombia has not had effective oversight bodies functioning in service of the public, and that these agencies have contributed to systematic impunity instead of preventing abuse.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.