Whistleblower Alleges NSO Group Executive Offered Cash for Access to Mobile Network

Aug 20, 2023

A whistleblower has alleged that an executive at NSO Group offered a US-based mobile security company “bags of cash” in exchange for access to a global signaling network used to track individuals through their mobile phones. The allegation, madeformer mobile security executive Gary Miller in 2017, was disclosed to the US Department of Justice and US Congressman Ted Lieu. Lieu conducted his own investigation and found the claim “highly disturbing”. NSO Group is the subject of an active criminal investigationthe Department of Justice, focusing on allegations of unauthorized intrusions into networks and mobile devices.

The whistleblower, Gary Miller, was working for a company called Mobileum in 2017. During his time there, he alleged that NSO executives Shalev Hulio and Omri Lavie expressed interest in learning more about Mobileum’s access to mobile networks worldwide. Miller claimed that NSO wanted to discuss how gaining access to these networks would enhance the capabilities of their surveillance software. NSO executives allegedly stated that their product was designed for surveillance purposes and authorizedgovernment agencies.

Miller also alleged that during a meeting, an NSO executive responded to a question about the business model with Mobileumsaying, “we drop bags of cash at your office.” Miller submitted an anonymous tip about the conversation to the FBI but did not receive any response.

NSO Group has denied any business with Mobileum and claims to be unaware of any Department of Justice investigation. They state that they do not conduct business using cash as a form of payment. NSO Group has been under scrutiny for its spyware, Pegasus, which enables users to intercept phone calls, read messages on encrypted apps, and turn a phone into a remote listening device.

The Biden administration added NSO Group to the commerce department’s “entity list” in November 2021, alleging that the company supplied spyware to foreign governments to target government officials, journalists, activists, and others. NSO Group has said that its technology has saved livesthwarting terror attacks and that it investigates credible allegations of wrongdoingits clients.

The allegations madethe whistleblower highlight the privacy implications for Americans and the national security implications of NSO Group accessing mobile operator signaling networks. The investigationthe Department of Justice aims to uncover any unauthorized intrusions and the extent of NSO Group’s activities.