Bulgarian authorities approve surveillance software exports linked to Tal Dilian

Bulgarian authorities have granted export licenses for surveillance software to the company Circles BG, which is co-founded by Tal Dilian. Dilian is also associated with Intellexa, the company behind the Predator spyware that was used in high-profile surveillance cases in Greece involving politicians, journalists, and business figures. Investigations by Politico revealed that these Bulgarian exports were directed toward foreign intelligence services in nations with records of human rights concerns. Previously, Intellexa had received approval from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under former official Giannis Smyrlis, to export Predator software to Sudan, Madagascar, and Ukraine. Reports suggest a recurring pattern where European governments fail to exercise sufficient regulatory oversight regarding the sale of surveillance technology. These incidents underscore concerns regarding the international spread of invasive digital tools. Furthermore, links have been identified between Dilian’s operations and the NSO Group, the developers of the Pegasus spyware currently under United States sanctions.