• Public

  • Public
  • Groups
  • Popular
  • People

Since 2020, NSO Group has paid foreign agents more than $2.9 million for foreign influence and lobbying operations in the U.S. The spyware firm's foreign agents have reported spending about $50,000 thus far in 2023 to tackle restrictions and clean up its image, according to an analysis of disclosures filed under FARA by OpenSecrets. That amount is likely to grow substantially as more supplemental statements covering the last six months are filed. The hired firms — Paul Hastings LLP, Chartwell Strategy Group, and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman — approached members of the State Department, the House of Representatives and American Bar Association on NSO Group's behalf since 2022, an OpenSecrets analysis of the firms' FARA filings found. Foreign agents worked to counter allegations that its Pegasus software was abused, informational materials filed with the Justice Department reveal, and to reiterate its commitment to “protect the security and safety of citizens against major crimes and terrorism, thereby contributing to the enjoyment of human rights.