Did Dutch intelligence use Pegasus spyware on wanted criminals?

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Dutch Intelligence Utilised Pegasus Spyware on High-Value Criminal Targets

Dutch intelligence services, specifically the Netherlands' AIVD, employed the controversial Pegasus spyware in 2019 to gain access to information on Ridouan Taghi, identified as the country's most-wanted criminal and an alleged drugs kingpin. This operation involved the use of software purchased from Israel's NSO Group, which possesses the capability to activate a phone's camera and microphone, as well as harvest its data. The AIVD's deployment of Pegasus against Taghi was conducted "among others," indicating a broader application of the technology.
Use Against Alleged Drugs Kingpin

In 2019, the AIVD utilised Pegasus spyware as part of efforts to locate and access data related to Ridouan Taghi, a fugitive alleged to be a prominent drugs kingpin. Although tracing criminals is not the primary mandate of the AIVD, the service reportedly assisted Dutch police in this endeavour. Taghi was apprehended in Dubai later that same year and is currently facing trial on multiple charges, including murder.
Pegasus Spyware Capabilities

Pegasus spyware, developed by the NSO Group, is designed for sophisticated surveillance. Its functionalities include the ability to remotely activate a target's smartphone camera and microphone, effectively turning the device into a listening and viewing tool for the operator. Furthermore, the spyware can extract a wide range of data stored on the compromised phone.
Broader Targeting by AIVD

The Volkskrant newspaper, citing anonymous sources, reported that the AIVD used Pegasus to spy on Ridouan Taghi. The report explicitly stated that Taghi was targeted "among others," suggesting that the spyware's deployment was not limited to this single individual. However, the specific identities of any other individuals or groups targeted by the AIVD using Pegasus were not disclosed.
Privacy Concerns and Oversight Questions

The reported use of Pegasus spyware by Dutch intelligence has ignited discussions regarding privacy in the Netherlands, a nation known for its sensitivity to such issues. Lawmakers have voiced concerns, with one independent member of parliament highlighting that such spyware represents a more intrusive form of surveillance than commonly understood. Questions have been raised about the specific contexts in which the software was used, the types of individuals targeted, and the mechanisms in place for oversight of its deployment.

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Did Dutch intelligence use Pegasus spyware on wanted criminals?

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