Italian businessman’s phone reportedly targeted with Paragon spyware

In a startling development, a well-known Italian businessman has been identified as a target of Paragon spyware, as reported by local news outlets. According to investigations from IrpiMedia and La Stampa, Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone was one of approximately 90 individuals who received a notification from WhatsApp back in January, informing him of the spyware's targeting. The motivations behind the targeting of Caltagirone remain unclear. Despite inquiries, a representative from his holding company, Caltagirone SpA, has yet to comment on the situation. Caltagirone’s firm is a significant player across multiple sectors, including construction, real estate, finance, and media, notably owning the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. This incident marks a significant expansion of the Paragon spyware controversy in Italy, as Caltagirone becomes the first businessman publicly linked to the list of victims. Previous targets included journalists Francesco Cancellato and Ciro Pellegrino from the online outlet Fanpage, as well as immigration advocates Luca Casarini and Giuseppe Caccia from the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, which operates rescue missions in the Mediterranean. The emergence of Caltagirone's case suggests a troubling trend, extending the reach of the Paragon spyware scandal beyond the realm of journalism and activism. In light of earlier reports involving the Fanpage journalists, Paragon has severed ties with the Italian government, which had been one of its clients. Paragon, headquartered in Israel and acquired by the U.S. private equity firm AE Industrial in December 2024, has positioned itself as an 'ethical' spyware developer. Following its acquisition, the company is expected to merge with the cybersecurity firm REDLattice. When approached for commentary regarding its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Paragon redirected inquiries to REDLattice’s vice president of marketing, suggesting that the merger is nearing completion. Attempts to obtain further comments from Paragon and WhatsApp have gone unanswered.