The Polish National Prosecutor’s Office reportedly tapped the phones of officials and politicians using a monitoring tool called Hermes. A major Polish newspaper, Wyborcza, reported on these claims.
In 2021, the office invested in the Hermes spy system for 15 million zlotys, roughly 3.5 million USD. Hermes is described as more capable than Pegasus, a widely known spyware that can be quietly installed on mobile devices. Earlier, Polish authorities faced accusations of employing this kind of technology.
According to the reporting, Hermes was used to conduct unlawful surveillance on government officials, judges, and prosecutors who were perceived as disloyal to the government. The report also claims that the prosecution hired two former employees of Poland’s Internal Security Service to safeguard the spyware and support its deployment.
The leadership of the prosecutor’s office reportedly learned of the surveillance by chance when an invoice for a periodic Hermes subscription arrived at the headquarters. This accidental discovery raised concerns about oversight, legality, and the proper use of sensitive tools within the justice system.
In February, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the broad use of Pegasus software within the country. The move underscores a broader discussion about state surveillance capabilities and the balance between security and civil liberties.
There have been prior security concerns in Poland regarding individuals from neighboring regions who are suspected of spying for foreign powers. These cases contribute to a continuing debate about intelligence operations, transparency, and accountability at the highest levels of government.
— Source: Wyborcza