Mexican spy scandal escalates as study shows software targeted opposition
![Stickers with the image of the Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, are stuck on columns outside the building of the attorney general’s office during a protest against alleged government spying.](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ccd42735827b39444741408b16eac11f4458c1ce/0_323_4928_2957/master/4928.jpg?w=300&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&fit=max&s=ff47a2f5cf98047eba36d54ba8c55862)
The text messages seemed innocuous enough when they buzzed on to the smartphone of Roberto Gil, a senior member of Mexico’s opposition National Action Party.
“I wanted to share this report from [the Mexican newsweekly] Proceso where your name is mentioned,” said one.
“My husband just died. I’m sending you information about the wake,” read another.
“Do you see what the PRD [another opposition party] is saying about us? Take a look,” said the third message.
Each message carried a link, however, and, once clicked, they would have immediately allowed sophisticated spy software to infect Gil’s phone, tracking keystrokes, accessing contact lists and taking control of the phone’s cameras and microphone.
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