Israeli Spyware Pegasus Targets Belgrade University Rector and Prosecutor, Among Others (Belgrade, Serbia)

Israeli spyware Pegasus, developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, has been identified as targeting individuals in Serbia, including the rector of Belgrade University and a prosecutor, according to a report by the Polish parliament’s committee on digital rights. The findings were part of an investigation into the use of Pegasus, which is designed to infiltrate mobile devices and access sensitive data. The report highlights concerns about the potential misuse of such technology by foreign entities, raising questions about the ethical implications of its deployment.

The Polish committee’s report, which was released in October 2026, details how Pegasus was allegedly used to monitor high-profile individuals in Serbia. The report does not specify the exact methods or extent of the surveillance but emphasizes the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies. The findings have sparked discussions about the role of Israeli companies in global surveillance practices and the potential for such technologies to be used for political purposes.

The NSO Group, based in Israel, has been at the center of international scrutiny over the use of its spyware. The company has faced allegations of selling its technology to governments that may use it to suppress dissent or target journalists. While the NSO Group has denied wrongdoing, the report from the Polish committee underscores the growing concern about the global reach of Israeli surveillance technology and its implications for privacy and human rights.

In addition to the Serbian targets, the report mentions other individuals who may have been affected by Pegasus, though specific details are not provided. The investigation into the use of Pegasus in Serbia is part of a broader international effort to understand the scope and impact of such surveillance tools. The findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent the misuse of technology that can infringe on personal freedoms and democratic processes.

The use of Pegasus in Serbia raises important questions about the role of foreign governments and private companies in shaping domestic politics. The report suggests that the technology may have been used to monitor political figures and officials, potentially influencing the country’s political landscape. This situation underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that surveillance technologies are not used to undermine the rule of law.

The report also calls for greater international cooperation to address the challenges posed by surveillance technologies. It emphasizes the need for transparency in the operations of companies like NSO Group and the importance of holding them accountable for any misuse of their products. The findings serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked technological power and the need for ethical considerations in the development and deployment of such tools.

The situation in Serbia reflects a broader trend of Israeli involvement in the global surveillance market. The NSO Group’s activities highlight the need for a reevaluation of the ethical and legal frameworks governing the use of surveillance technologies. As the report from the Polish committee demonstrates, the implications of such technologies extend beyond individual cases, affecting the integrity of democratic processes and the protection of civil liberties.

Source: Read the original report