Promoting Spy Gear may not make you popular with the authorities.

Back in August we reported on the “Spy Van” of former Israeli Intelligence Officer, Tal Dilian, which came to light when he granted an interview to Forbes magazine. Cyber Security reporter, Thomas Brewster was given full access to the Intellexa, WiSpear van and it’s capabilities.

Looks like Tal Dilian’s 15 minutes of fame had it’s drawbacks. Now residing in Cyprus, the authorities there did not like the idea of someone offering such spying capabilities on their island.

From the Times of Israel:

LARNACA — Cypriot police said Saturday they had seized an alleged “spy van” equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment capable of hacking communications and questioned its Israeli owner.

Police began investigating after the opposition communist party AKEL asked what the government was doing about activities undertaken in the van, which was showcased in a Forbes video story broadcast several months ago that only recently went viral in Cyprus.

There was fear apparently that the van may have been used by one political party to spy on the other.

From the Cyprus Mail:

President Nicos Anastasiades has asked to meet later this week with the leader of the main opposition party to discuss the issue of the ‘spy van’ operated by a company run by an ex Israeli intelligence officer.

In a statement on Tuesday, the government spokesman said the meeting has been arranged for Friday at the presidential palace, to also be attended by the justice minister and the chief of police. Its purpose is to “discuss at length the allegations being made in the public sphere.”

The Forbes article appeared months ago but only recently was picked up in Cyprus.

The van has been seized while police are investigating potential violations of privacy.

The vehicle, a converted GMC ambulance, is said to be loaded with gear capable of hacking smart phones and intercepting electronic communications within a one-kilometre radius.

But reports have surfaced that the van was declared as a mobile weather station when going through customs.

The opposition party appears to be claiming that the van may have been used to spy on their operations, although the company behind the van, WiSpear, claims to have no political affiliation and to have had no connection with any of the political parties.

WiSpear’s response, also from the Cyprus Mail:

“Throughout its operation, the company has not sold or rented any intelligence systems to Cypriot authorities,” WiSpear said.

“The shareholders of this company never had any dealings with any political party whatsoever, either on a personal or professional basis.”

The company was responding to reports that suggested numerous entities on the island, including ruling Disy party may have used the services of the company that owns the van.

WiSpear added that the van has not been active on Cypriot territory apart from field tests and demonstration purposes using only company-owned devices and under the guidelines and acknowledgement of local authorities.

Whether the van had the touted capabilities or not, in today’s charged political environments along with the public fear of eavesdropping, it seems best to stay away from involvement in any type of spy operation. At least, don’t advertise it in an article in Forbes.

Referenced articles:

Exec Security 0riginal post on Tal Dilian’s van: