Shocking Allegations of Surveillance Unveiled
A former officer from Morocco's domestic intelligence agency, known as the Direction Générale de la Surveillance du Territoire (DGST), has come forward with startling revelations regarding the use of Pegasus spyware by the agency. This whistleblower has disclosed that since 2017, the DGST has been employing this sophisticated spyware to target an array of individuals, including journalists, human rights advocates, and even foreign political figures, specifically French and Spanish politicians. These claims sharply contrast with Morocco's persistent public denials about the use of such surveillance tactics, raising serious concerns about the country's human rights practices.
The bombshell disclosures were made public on July 16, 2026, coinciding with the arrival of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu in Rabat, who was accompanied by a 12-member ministerial delegation for a crucial bilateral summit. The timing of these revelations has sparked significant media attention and public scrutiny regarding Morocco's intelligence operations.
Targeting High-Profile Individuals
According to reports from the investigative consortium including _Forbidden Stories_, _Le Monde_, and _OCCRP_, Lecornu's own mobile device was allegedly targeted by Moroccan intelligence operatives back in July 2019, while he was serving as the environment minister. He is reportedly one of seven French cabinet members whose phones were compromised, illustrating the extensive reach of Morocco's surveillance program.
The whistleblower further elaborated that the DGST not only utilized digital surveillance tools but also engaged in physical surveillance activities. This included trailing individuals and monitoring internet cafes as part of a broader strategy to gather intelligence. Documented evidence reviewed by _Forbidden Stories_ indicates that French intelligence agencies considered acquiring Pegasus from 2019 to 2020, with a proposed cost ranging between 60 and 80 million euros. Nevertheless, the Élysée Palace ultimately vetoed the acquisition, citing concerns over the potential impact on France's reputation and sovereignty.
Despite the mounting evidence and claims from the whistleblower, Morocco has steadfastly denied any involvement in the use of Pegasus spyware. The NSO Group, the Israeli company behind the software, claims it only sells its technology to vetted governmental clients and does not operate the software itself. As of now, neither the Moroccan government nor NSO Group has responded to inquiries from the reporting consortium regarding these allegations. It is crucial to note that SOFX has not independently verified the whistleblower's statements.
As reported by sofx.com.
