ATHENS – A large-scale operation involving surprise raids on companies suspected of involvement in the phone tapping affair, ordered by Greek prosecuting authorities, was reported to be in progress on Tuesday, according to sources.

At least six companies have been targeted by the public prosecutors who are conducting the preliminary examination into the phone tappings.

According to the sources, the public prosecutors, who are in charge of the investigation into the alleged use of Predator spyware to intercept the communications of specific persons, were acting on evidence and documents that they received in the last few days, as well as witnesses testimonies. This evidence apparently led them to specific persons, who are in turn linked to companies involved with the illegal spyware.

Consequently, they organised raids to seize evidence that could be used in the context of their investigation. The material that is collected will be evaluated so that the prosecutors can determine what penal action should be taken.