Cyprus is prominently featured in a lawsuit filed by eight victims of illegal surveillance using the Predator spyware. The case follows the February 2026 conviction of businesspeople in Greece, including Tal Dilian, a figure known to have ties to Cyprus. The lawsuit alleges that Cyprus served as a base for Predator-related operations and cites 16 references to the island, implicating companies and individuals linked to the illegal surveillance network.

The plaintiffs, including Greek journalist Thanasis Koukakis—the first confirmed phone surveillance victim—allege that Dilian and his wife established permanent residence in Cyprus to control Predator software through multiple Cyprus-registered companies before shifting activities to Greece. The lawsuit also points to a prior conviction in Cyprus connected to Dilian, which allegedly prompted the relocation.

Additional defendants named have links to Cyprus-based companies and the Intellexa group, with some employees residing permanently on the island. Four defendants were previously found guilty of related offenses with suspended sentences pending appeal. Attempts to obtain comments from the accused were unsuccessful, while Cyprus’s Independent Authority Against Corruption is expected to closely monitor developments.