WhatsApp reports Italian surveillance company tricked 200 users into installing spyware

LootboxPhobia · 2026-04-01T20:25:10+00:00

WhatsApp accuses an Italian surveillance company, ASIGINT, of deceiving approximately 200 users into downloading a fake messaging app designed to monitor them. The activity primarily targeted Italian users, and Meta has mentioned the country's spyware issues once again in the past 15 months.

LootboxPhobia

2026-04-01 20:25:10

Abstract generation in progress

Investing.com – WhatsApp said on Wednesday that an Italian monitoring company deceived about 200 users into downloading a fake version of a messaging app designed to spy on targets.

The Meta Platforms-owned service said the operation was carried out by ASIGINT, a subsidiary of SIO, a company headquartered in northern Italy. SIO’s website describes its product as “high-performance, battle-tested cyber intelligence solutions and technology.”

According to WhatsApp, the campaign was “highly targeted,” tricking victims into installing “malware impersonating WhatsApp” through deception. The company said affected users were “mainly” located in Italy, but did not provide more details about their identities.

On its website, SIO said it works with “law enforcement agencies, government organizations, police and intelligence agencies.” The company did not respond to a request for comment. Italy’s interior ministry referred the matter to police, who also did not respond.

This is Meta’s second public mention of spyware activity in Italy within 15 months. The country is still dealing with the fallout from a surveillance operation exposed in early 2025, which used spyware from U.S. company Paragon. Italy and Paragon have since ended their cooperation.

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