In the heart of the Predator spyware scandal, Cyprus-based companies like Intellexa and Santinomo face intense scrutiny over suspicious share movements and retroactive transfers. With figures like Felix Bitzios and ex-intelligence officer Tal Dilian at the center of this intricate web, international authorities and the European Parliament are closely monitoring the unfolding events, shedding light on the murky world of corporate espionage.
What is the Predator spyware scandal involving Cyprus-based companies?
The Predator spyware scandal involves Cyprus-based companies engaging in suspicious share movements and retroactive transfers within the tech industry. Intellexa, linked to cutting-edge spyware technology, faces international scrutiny and US sanctions, with suspected backdated maneuvers by connected firms like Santinomo and figures such as businessman Felix Bitzios and ex-intelligence officer Tal Dilian.
Uncovering Suspicious Share Movements
The mysterious dealings within the tech industry have recently drawn the attention of the anti-money laundering unit Mokas, which is currently investigating curious share transfers among Cyprus-based companies entangled in the Predator spyware scandal. Reports have surfaced about various retroactive transfers of shares within a company known as Santinomo. This company, at a critical juncture, owned a significant 35% stake in Intellexa – a name that’s become synonymous with cutting-edge spyware technology.
Intellexa, now under the scrutiny of international authorities, was hit with sanctions by the US Treasury. This has raised questions about the timing and legitimacy of past transactions, specifically the shifting of shares that seem intricately planned and shrouded in mystery.
The Web of Connections
A significant figure in this tangled web is businessman Felix Bitzios, whose name surfaces repeatedly due to his links with the Cyprus-registered Santinomo and his associations with Tal Dilian – an ex-intelligence officer from Israel and the brains behind the Intellexa consortium. The intricate network of international companies led by Dilian, and the involvement of Bitzios, has raised eyebrows within the European Parliament.
A report from the European Parliament’s Committee of Inquiry, dated November 8, 2022, shed light on the Predator spyware and its distribution network, which spans across Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, and France. It also revealed the pivotal role played by Dilian’s former spouse, Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou, in this complex corporate spider’s web.
However, it was the transfer of shares from Bitzios’ Santinomo to Thalestris, the parent company of Intellexa, which caught the attention of investigators. This action, registered shortly after the hack of Greek politician Nikos Androulakis’ phone, was made to appear as though it had occurred over 19 months prior, raising suspicions about the intentions behind these backdated corporate maneuvers.
The Legal Gray Area of Retroactive Registration
In the midst of the controversy, the practices of Cyprus-based law firms have come into question. The legality of retroactive changes to company records, while not necessarily unlawful, requires a ‘fine’ to be paid to the Registrar of Companies. These amendments are typically unchallenged unless they contain conflicting information, such as a signature from a director who had resigned before the document’s purported date.
The curious case of Santinomo’s records involves backdated entries, such as the ceasing of Finsol Enterprises Limited as the company’s secretary and the resignation of Bitzios as director. These events were recorded as having occurred in December 2020, yet the announcements were made much later, deepening the aura of suspicion.
Cyprus and the International Spyware Market
The Intellexa saga is just one example of Cyprus’s role in the international spyware market. Tal Dilian was previously linked to another high-profile case, the ‘spy van affair,’ involving WiSpear Systems Limited. Despite the serious allegations, legal action against Dilian was eventually dropped. This has led to ongoing debates about the regulatory environment and oversight of companies operating within the spyware industry, a sector that has repeatedly demonstrated its global reach and potential for misuse.
What is the Predator spyware scandal involving Cyprus-based companies?
The Predator spyware scandal involves Cyprus-based companies engaging in suspicious share movements and retroactive transfers within the tech industry. Intellexa, linked to cutting-edge spyware technology, faces international scrutiny and US sanctions, with suspected backdated maneuvers by connected firms like Santinomo and figures such as businessman Felix Bitzios and ex-intelligence officer Tal Dilian.
What is the significance of the share transfers among Cyprus-based companies in the Predator spyware scandal?
The mysterious share transfers among Cyprus-based companies like Santinomo and Intellexa have raised questions about the legitimacy and timing of these transactions. The involvement of key figures such as Felix Bitzios and Tal Dilian, along with the intricate network of international connections, has drawn the attention of authorities and the European Parliament.
What is the legal gray area surrounding retroactive registration of company records in Cyprus?
The legality of retroactive changes to company records in Cyprus, while not necessarily unlawful, requires a ‘fine’ to be paid to the Registrar of Companies. The backdated entries in Santinomo’s records, including changes in directorship and secretary roles, have sparked concerns about the transparency and compliance of these corporate maneuvers.
How does the Predator spyware scandal shed light on Cyprus’s role in the international spyware market?
The Intellexa saga and past cases involving figures like Tal Dilian have highlighted Cyprus’s role in the international spyware market. The lack of regulatory oversight and the potential for misuse within this industry have become subjects of ongoing debates, emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in the cybersecurity sector.
