Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou on Thursday called for the investigation into the “spy van affair” to be reopened, citing statements by Tal Dilian to Reuters. The affair involved a company offering private surveillance services using technology installed in a van.
Call to reopen investigation
Stefanou said the investigation should be reopened in light of remarks by Dilian, described as the former chief commander of the Israeli military’s secret technology unit and a former chief executive officer of WiSpear, the company which operated the van.
Dilian told Reuters that the technology offered had “only been sold to governments.” The remarks were viewed by some as lending credence to the theory that the operation took place with the full knowledge of those holding the highest offices of the Republic of Cyprus when the van was operational in the late 2010s.
Cyprus case handling and fine
Stefanou said that while in similar cases of illegal surveillance in Greece, Dilian and his associates received prison sentences, in Cyprus the company was given a fine and prosecution of Dilian and his associates was suspended.
He said the legal service decided to suspend criminal prosecution, citing “generally and vaguely, the public interest.” The fine given to WiSpear amounted to €76,000.
Concerns over rights and institutions
Stefanou said surveillance, institutional entanglement, and corruption were extremely serious issues because they concern the protection of people’s rights and the democratic functioning of institutions.
He said “shadows cannot be cast over such cases,” and added that the “spy van affair” had intensified public distrust toward the state and prosecuting authorities.
Related developments in Greece
In Greece, Dilian was handed a 126-year prison sentence for his part in the country’s 2022 surveillance scandal. Eight of those years are to be served behind bars, though Dilian remains out of prison pending an appeal.
The sentencing followed claims by opposition party Pasok MP Nikos Androulakis, now the party’s leader, and two journalists that attempts had been made to hack their phones using Predator software, which was developed by Dilian.
It was later found that the technology was used to target 87 people, including government ministers and senior military officials. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was accused of complicity but denied knowledge of the matter.
What steps should Cyprus take to address concerns about surveillance and accountability in the “spy van affair”?