Colombia Investigates Police Purchase of Pegasus Spyware

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced an investigation into the alleged illegal acquisition of Pegasus spyware by the national police, which reportedly involved a cash payment of $11 million to the Israeli firm NSO Group. This revelation came during a televised address in which Petro emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding state expenditures. He raised concerns about how such a significant amount could leave the country without being recorded in the national budget, questioning the sources of the funds and the intentions behind the purchase. Pegasus spyware has been linked to surveillance of journalists, political opposition, and human rights defenders globally. The investigation will explore the negotiation process between the police unit and NSO, as well as the potential misuse of the software to target political rivals during the previous administration. This incident has drawn attention to the broader implications of state surveillance and accountability in Colombia's law enforcement practices.