Spanish firm Undercover Global accused of spying on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on behalf of US
- Security company allegedly installed hidden microphones in fire extinguisher at Ecuadorean embassy and in women’s toilets where Assange met his lawyers
- Information gathered was made available to both US and Ecuadorean intelligence services, court document says
Spain’s National Court is investigating a Spanish private security firm on suspicion it spied on Julian Assange on behalf of the US while he was inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London, according to a ruling made public on Wednesday.
The court said in the document dated August 7 that it was investigating whether Undercover Global, which was responsible for security at the embassy where the WikiLeaks founder had taken refuge, and its owner David Morales invaded Assange’s privacy by installing hidden microphones and other devices at the embassy.
The company and its owner are also being probed for money laundering and bribery, the document added.
The court said it opened the investigation after accepting a complaint from Assange’s lawyers.
Undercover Global is suspected of having installed microphones in a fire extinguisher at the embassy as well as in the women’s toilets where Assange used to meet his lawyers for fear of being spied on.
“Meetings which Assange held with his lawyers, as well as medical visits and those of other nature were recorded,” the court said.