Rome: A major spyware controversy in Italy has taken a new turn after prosecutors confirmed that a prominent journalist’s mobile phone was hacked using sophisticated spyware. The investigation also revealed that signs of spyware infection were detected on three phones—including that of the journalist—during a single night in December 2024.
According to a technical report released by prosecutors’ offices, traces of spyware were found on the phones of journalist Francesco Cancellato, migration activist Giuseppe Caccia, and Luca Casarini. The suspected intrusion reportedly occurred during the early hours of December 14, 2024.
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Investigators noted that three consecutive infections in one night suggest the possibility of a coordinated cyber-surveillance campaign. However, the full technical report has not yet been made public.
WhatsApp Had Already Issued a Warning
Journalist Francesco Cancellato had earlier received a warning from WhatsApp in early 2025 stating that his phone may have been targeted by spyware. Around 90 other individuals—including journalists and members of civil society—received similar alerts at the time.
The spyware involved was reportedly developed by Israeli firm Paragon Solutions, which was later acquired by a U.S. private equity company.
Italian judicial authorities also examined a server reportedly used by the country’s intelligence services for surveillance operations. During the investigation, evidence was found of surveillance operations conducted against Caccia and Casarini, but no official record was discovered for any operation targeting Cancellato.
As a result, it remains unclear who was responsible for hacking the journalist’s phone.
Government Denies Involvement
The Italian government has denied any involvement in the alleged hacking. Officials stated that the government is fully cooperating with investigators to uncover the facts behind the incident.
Journalist Cancellato has publicly said that he wants clear answers regarding the case. He has argued that more than a year has passed since the suspected attack, yet authorities have not provided a satisfactory explanation.
Other Individuals May Also Have Been Targeted
Investigators believe that several other individuals in Italy may also have been targeted by similar spyware attacks. Among them is journalist Ciro Pellegrino, who received a notification from Apple warning that his iPhone might have been targeted by spyware.
However, the prosecutors’ technical report stated that no conclusive spyware evidence was found on Pellegrino’s phone. Responding to the report, he expressed surprise, noting that international cybersecurity research groups had previously claimed to have detected spyware traces on his device.
Growing Spyware Controversies Across Europe
The Italian case is seen as part of a broader wave of spyware controversies across Europe. Over the past few years, similar allegations involving surveillance of journalists, politicians, and activists have surfaced in Greece, Hungary, Poland, and Spain.
In a recent high-profile case in Greece, four executives linked to a spyware company were sentenced to eight years in prison for illegal phone tapping and violations of privacy laws.
Experts say modern spyware technologies have become extremely sophisticated and are often used for surveillance, espionage, and the extraction of sensitive information.
As digital surveillance tools continue to evolve, debates over privacy, security, and legal oversight are intensifying among governments, technology companies, and civil rights organizations worldwide.
