The Trump administration has lifted sanctions on three executives linked to the controversial spyware consortium Intellexa, marking a partial rollback of penalties imposed last year over the group’s alleged role in developing and selling invasive surveillance technology.
The decision, disclosed in a notice published by the US Treasury Department, comes after the executives sought reconsideration and, according to US officials, demonstrated steps to distance themselves from the spyware firm.
Treasury cites separation from Intellexa operations
The US Treasury Department said the sanctions removal followed a standard administrative review process. Officials stated that each of the three individuals showed evidence they had separated themselves from Intellexa’s activities.
“The removal was done as part of the normal administrative process in response to a petition request for reconsideration,” the department said in an email. It added that the individuals had taken measures to disengage from the Intellexa Consortium.
The move partially reverses sanctions imposed under the previous US administration, which targeted seven people tied to the spyware group.
Background on Intellexa and the Predator spyware
Intellexa has drawn international scrutiny for its development and sale of advanced surveillance tools, most notably the Predator spyware. The consortium was launched by Tal Dilian, a former Israeli intelligence officer.
Under the Biden administration, US authorities described Intellexa as a complex international network of decentralized companies that built and commercialized highly invasive hacking software. The spyware was accused of being used against journalists, activists, and political figures in multiple countries.
Those concerns led Washington to impose sanctions as part of broader efforts to curb the global spread of commercial spyware.
Executives removed from sanctions list
According to the Treasury notice, sanctions were lifted on three executives previously linked to Intellexa’s operations.
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Sara Hamou, accused by US officials of providing managerial services to the consortium
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Andrea Gambazzi, whose company was alleged to have held distribution rights to Predator spyware
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Merom Harpaz, described as a senior executive within the consortium
US authorities said the decision reflects their assessment that the individuals are no longer involved in Intellexa’s activities.
No immediate response from Intellexa
Representatives for Intellexa did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the announcement. It remains unclear whether the consortium itself or other sanctioned individuals will seek similar reviews.
The sanctions relief applies only to the three named executives. Other individuals and entities linked to Intellexa remain subject to US restrictions.
Broader implications for US spyware policy
The decision highlights a shift in tone under the Trump administration, which has taken a different approach to sanctions enforcement compared with its predecessor. While the administration has not signaled a broader change in policy toward commercial spyware, the move suggests greater willingness to reassess individual cases.
Human rights groups have long argued that spyware firms should face strict oversight, warning that easing restrictions could weaken global efforts to prevent abuse of digital surveillance tools.
What comes next
It is not yet known whether the lifted sanctions will lead to renewed business activity by the executives or whether other Intellexa linked figures will pursue similar petitions. The Treasury Department said reviews are handled on a case by case basis.
As debates over digital surveillance and privacy intensify worldwide, decisions like this are likely to remain closely watched by governments, technology firms, and civil society groups alike.
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