In 2019, passengers at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus enjoyed upgraded Wi-Fi, unaware of a hidden danger. The new system was a facade for a data theft operation, masterminded by Tal Dilian, a former Israeli intelligence commander turned cyber arms dealer. This clandestine activity harvested personal data from over 9 million devices.

Dilian's ascension to a cyber-surveillance titan parallels Cyprus’ evolution as a European hub for such companies. The lack of stringent regulatory frameworks on the island allows these firms to thrive with minimal oversight, despite stringent EU laws governing spyware.

The recently leaked "Cyprus Confidential" documents shed light on this murky world, revealing Dilian and his ex-wife and business partner, Sara Hamou's roles in exploiting regulatory loopholes. These documents include over 1,800 emails by Hamou, uncovering efforts to conceal their network of firms spreading surveillance technology globally, often targeting journalists and government critics.

Hamou, a lawyer, has been instrumental in Dilian's operations, enabling his corporate presence in the EU and sidestepping restrictions on dealing with human rights abusers. A review of the leaked records and public documents shows her involvement in over 20 companies linked to Dilian, including ownership stakes.

Intellexa, their spyware conglomerate, sells the notorious "Predator" spyware, which grants unfettered access to a device's data. Found in at least 25 countries, Predator has been used by oppressive regimes and EU member states, often to suppress dissent.

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Despite the recent scandal involving Predator’s use at Larnaca airport, leading to Intellexa's relocation to Greece, the company continues to thrive. Hamou's intricate corporate network, spanning across Europe, has effectively shielded Intellexa from regulation. This tactic, a "smokescreen" as described by Sophie in’t Veld of the EU's PEGA Committee, helps Intellexa stay under the radar.

The complexity of these corporate structures undermines democratic institutions in Europe and beyond, with in’t Veld expressing concern about Europe's failure to uphold its democratic values.

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In a separate venture, Hamou founded Medovie in 2019, a skincare company merging traditional Chinese medicine with modern science. This contrasts sharply with her role in the surveillance industry, where she has played a key part in Cyprus becoming a hotspot for cyber-surveillance companies.

The leaked documents also reveal Hamou’s role in assisting other Israeli executives in establishing their businesses in Cyprus. For example, Maravilhas Solutions Ltd., linked to Hamou, involved in secretive operations in the UAE and Singapore, exemplifies Cyprus' role in facilitating the global spread of spyware.

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