Israel’s police used the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware on mayors of local authorities as well as their relatives and close associates, according to a report by the business newspaper Calcalist. 

A multi-part exposé last week revealed how the police’s SIGINT unit allegedly used the controversial Pegasus malware to spy on Israeli civilians. 

New reports indicate that law enforcement tapped the phones of at least three mayors and heads of local councils for the purpose of “phishing” – a tactic used to steal data – all under the guise of intelligence activities. 

The three local mayors who were reportedly tracked were suspected of engaging in corrupt activities, but no indictments were filed. 

However, the use of Pegasus led the local leaders to be investigated, with some even arrested and their homes searched, Calcalist reported.

Some of their family members, friends, and aides were also reportedly summoned for questioning and arrested.