Seven Hacked Phones Investigated in Paragon Spyware Surveillance Case, Including ‘Dagospia’ Owner

• Italian authorities are investigating the alleged hacking of seven phones in the Paragon surveillance scandal.
• One of these phones reportedly belongs to the head of the political gossip website Dagospia.
• The inquiry is part of a case focusing on unauthorized access to journalists' and activists' phones.

Italian prosecutors are investigating the alleged hacking of seven phones linked to the surveillance scandal involving the spyware technology of Israel-based and U.S.-owned company Paragon. 

Among the targeted individuals is Roberto D’Agostino, founder of the popular political gossip website Dagospia, according to sources close to the matter, Reuters recently said.

The investigation, led by prosecutors in Rome and Naples, focuses on unauthorized access to phones belonging to journalists and activists.

Dagospia, known for its salacious political content, broke its own story titled, “Dagospia Ends Up Being Spied Upon! The Illegal Wiretaps Scandal Gets Bigger.” D’Agostino, however, was unavailable for comment.

This follows earlier allegations of spying on investigative reporters Ciro Pellegrino and Francesco Cancellato, both from the Fanpage website. 

COPASIR emphasized that the spyware had only been employed under judicial authorization, denying unauthorized use against journalist Cancellato. However, watchdog group Citizen Lab has independently verified evidence of surveillance on Pellegrino's device.

The alleged breaches have sparked public outcry, with opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, condemning the activities and calling for greater transparency.

The scandal has also reignited concerns about the use of spyware in Italy. Paragon was contracted by the country's intelligence agencies in 2023 and 2024 for limited operations targeting fugitives, organized crime, and counter-espionage, as per a parliamentary committee report. 

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has denied any involvement in the illicit activity. The controversy has not only fueled protests but also led to the termination of Italy’s contracts with Paragon earlier this month.