European Parliament member Daniel Freund has filed a criminal complaint against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, accusing him of involvement in a suspected espionage attack targeting Freund.

The complaint suggests that the Hungarian government may be behind the attack, citing Orbán's known disdain for democracy and the rule of law, and highlights the incident as a serious breach of European Parliament security.

Last year, attackers attempted unsuccessfully to install spyware on Freund's devices using software from Candiru, a provider also linked to Hungarian authorities, through a phishing email with a malicious link.

The phishing email, which Freund received from someone claiming to be a Ukrainian student, could have led to spyware installation, granting access to microphones, cameras, and data if clicked.

The attack involved spyware likely originating from Hungary, based on the use of advanced software associated with state-level cyber operations and evidence dating back to 2021.

EU cybersecurity experts indicated a high probability that the spyware used was Candiru, an Israeli-developed software, with links to Hungarian surveillance activities.

The criminal complaint aims to clarify and prevent spyware attacks that violate privacy, IT rights, and telecommunications secrecy, reinforcing the protection of democratic values and individual rights in Europe.

The investigation involves forensic analysis and witness questioning, although Hungarian authorities have yet to respond, and Freund criticizes the Hungarian government for its surveillance practices.

While concrete proof of Hungarian involvement remains elusive, Freund's office considers Hungary the most plausible suspect, citing its history of using spyware against opposition figures and activists.

The complaint was filed jointly with the Society for Civil Liberties (GFF) and submitted to prosecutors in Krefeld, Cologne, and Düsseldorf, seeking to uncover the facts and prevent future attacks.

Freund emphasizes that such spyware attacks violate fundamental rights and criticizes Orbán's government for its anti-democratic policies, corruption, and laws affecting NGOs.

Freund has previously advocated for suspending Hungary's EU funds and leadership, actively engaging in EU-Hungary relations amid ongoing concerns over democratic backsliding.