Italian businessman’s phone reportedly targeted with Paragon spyware

According to a local news report, a prominent Italian businessman was targeted with Paragon Spyware.

Thursday, Italian Online Investigating Website Irpimedia And newspapers Press Reported that Francesco was in Gayetano Caltagirone About 90 people who got a notification From WhatsApp in January, he warned him that he was targeted with spyware created by Paragon Solutions.

It is not immediately clear what caused Caltagiron to be targeted and a spokesperson for its holding company Caltagiron SPa did not respond to any request to comment.

Caltagirone’s Name Holding Agency Several companies Throughout various industries including construction, real estate, finance and publication, Italian newspaper IL Mesagro.

Caltagirone has become the first businessman to join the list of victims in Italy. Till still include journalists among other victims Francesco Canceto And Cirro PelegrinoThose who work for online news site fanpage; And immigration staff Luca Cassarini And Zeuspe caciaThose who work MediterraneanAn Italian non -governmental organization that helps rescue immigrants in the Mediterranean.

The accused target of Caltagiron has now widen the ongoing Paragon Spyware scandal in Italy to the victims beyond the victims. Following the news of the fanpage journalists being targeted, Paragon With the Italian government, whose intelligence agencies were its customers.

Paragon, which has long been a “moral” spyware maker, is located in Israel, headquarters US Private Equity Giants bought by this industry In December 2024. As part of the agreement, Paragon is reported to be integrated with the CyberCsis firm Redlatis.

When TechCrunch reached Paragon to comment in September The company’s contract with US immigration and customs applicationAn organization spokesman Redlatis’s marketing vice president Jennifer mentions the questions to the IRAS, indicating that the attachment has been finalized.

Paragon and WhatsApp did not respond to any request to comment.