In a surprising turn of events, Poland has taken a firm stance against the misuse of spyware, with former Deputy Minister of Justice Michał Woś facing charges for his alleged involvement in the unauthorized transfer of funds to purchase the controversial Pegasus spyware. The Polish parliament voted to lift Woś’s legal immunity in order to prosecute him for his role in the acquisition of the commercial spyware during his time in power.
The prosecutor’s office revealed that between 2017 and 2022, nearly 600 individuals were targeted for surveillance using the Pegasus spyware under the government led by the conservative Law and Justice Party. The investigation into these actions was initiated following a Citizen Lab report in 2021 that found evidence of the spyware infecting the phone of Krzysztof Brejza, a member of the European Parliament for Poland. Brejza, who was an opposition figure at the time, had his text messages altered and leaked.
The investigation into irregularities within the Justice Fund led to the discovery of evidence linking Woś to the unauthorized transfer of funds for the purchase of Pegasus. The Sejm unanimously voted to allow criminal proceedings against Woś at the request of the Prosecutor General. Woś is accused of abusing his authority by directing the Justice Fund to pay a substantial amount for the spyware, despite the agency not meeting the required criteria for such funding.
The prosecutor argued that Woś’s actions resulted in significant financial damage to the Polish Treasury and undermined the public interest, with the potential for a 10-year prison sentence for the official if convicted. The prosecutor’s office has compiled substantial evidence to support the charges, including documents from the Ministry of Justice and the CBA, as well as findings from oversight bodies. Woś has maintained his innocence, providing explanations for his actions but not admitting to the alleged crime.
In order to ensure a smooth legal process, the prosecutor has imposed preventive measures on Woś, requiring him to report to the police twice a month and restricting his contact with certain individuals involved in the case. Woś retains the right to appeal this decision. Meanwhile, the new administration in Poland has pledged to combat the proliferation and misuse of spyware, aligning with a commitment made by the Biden administration.
Overall, the case against Michał Woś highlights Poland’s efforts to address the misuse of spyware and hold accountable those who exceed their powers in government. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the regulation and oversight of surveillance tools in the country.