Moroccan Surveillance Targeted High-Ranking Spanish Guard Official

• Pegasus spyware, linked to Moroccan intelligence, targeted the personal mobile device of Alberto Aguilera, a senior official in the Spanish Guardia Civil who previously served as an interior liaison to Morocco.
• Evidence from the Pegasus Project indicates that Moroccan intelligence agencies operated the spyware to monitor diverse targets, including foreign diplomats, human rights activists, and journalists.
• Despite reported breaches of Spanish government phones, Spain has maintained close institutional security ties with Morocco, raising concerns about national security and political accountability.

Pegasus Operations and Targets

• Investigations identify the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST) in Morocco as the primary operator of the spyware, with oversight linked to the Royal Palace.
• Targeted devices include those of Spanish officials, such as President Pedro Sánchez and ministers, as well as international figures, including members of the UN mission for Western Sahara.
• Attackers use Pegasus to harvest sensitive data such as private messages, photos, and location data, often bypassing device security if not perfectly maintained.

Geopolitical Implications and Human Rights

• Amnesty International and other advocacy groups warn that the use of such invasive tools against civilians undermines democracy and violates fundamental human rights.
• Experts claim that Spain has prioritized diplomatic stability with Morocco over addressing the security implications of being targeted by state-sponsored surveillance.
• Calls for a global moratorium on the sale of commercial spyware remain a priority, as current regulations in many nations are viewed as insufficient to prevent abuses.