MEP Freund Alleges Spyware Attack Linked to Hungarian Government
An email purportedly sent by a Ukrainian student to Hungarian MEP Daniel Freund’s parliamentary address in late May 2024 has prompted serious allegations of cyber surveillance. The correspondence urged Freund to express his views on Ukraine’s potential accession to the European Union and included a hyperlink that Freund refrained from clicking, reports 24brussels.
The complaint detailing this incident indicates that the European Parliament alerted Freund about the link’s potential to harbor spyware developed by the Israeli firm Candiru. This company was previously blacklisted by the U.S. government in 2021 due to violations of human rights.
“According to the EU Parliament’s IT experts, the Hungarian government could be behind the eavesdropping on me,” Freund stated. “This comes as no surprise: Orbán despises democracy and the rule of law. If the suspicion is confirmed, it would be an outrageous attack on the European Parliament.”
Subsequently, Freund, along with the non-governmental organization involved, has urged prosecutors to initiate an investigation aimed at uncovering the facts of the case, which they believe should include witness interrogations and an independent forensic analysis.
At the time of publication, the Hungarian government had not responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations.
Compromised devices can allow attackers to seize control of sensitive data and communications. They can also utilize the camera and microphone, facilitating live surveillance of conversations.
Freund has emerged as a prominent advocate in the European Parliament for the suspension of EU funds to Hungary, reflecting his commitment to holding the Hungarian government accountable. Last year, he led efforts to halt Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the EU, citing concerns over democratic backsliding.
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