Just as the Anti-Corruption Authority is preparing to reopen the case involving the black van—with the aim, among other things, of clarifying Tal Dillian’s activities in Cyprus— the van’s owner speaks to ALPHA Cyprus, presenting evidence that, according to him, proves he did not engage in any illegal activity related to the wiretapping on Cypriot soil. The aim, among other things, is to clarify Tal Dillian’s activities in Cyprus and his possible ties to political figures and government agencies. In response to the intention to continue the investigation, Dillian reiterates that no wiretapping has ever taken place or will take place from Cypriot territory. When asked how he views the latest developments and how he responds to those who accuse him of having ties to the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus or to political figures, he speaks of misinformation surrounding his person, even citing political motives.
“The attention given to the ‘Black Van’ case has already led to a mix of selective interpretations, political motives, and media reports that, in some cases, stray from the actual facts.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
There are clearly circles, both in Cyprus and in Greece, that wish to expand the already established false narrative (by certain parties) in Cyprus, using it as a basis to create yet another false narrative in Greece.
I firmly support freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the public’s right to information. However, freedom of the press does not mean that claims may be presented as facts or that public opinion may be misled. Freedom comes with the responsibility to provide accurate, fair, and honest information.”
While highlighting a series of practices to avoid—such as, as he states, the spread of misinformation—
“To those who choose to interpret the case based on their own agenda, we have something to remind them of: That the actual facts do not change. Perhaps we simply need to remind ourselves of them again. Before adding yet another layer of interpretation to the case, it is worth reexamining what the investigations actually revealed. Following the thorough investigation by the Cypriot Police into the black van, the antennas at the airport, and the other forensic and technical findings, the competent authorities reached the same basic conclusion: Extensive investigations in Cyprus and abroad have established that the equipment was not used to monitor or intercept communications or electronic files from devices. Furthermore, no operational activities involving surveillance, wiretapping, electronic system breaches, or espionage were found in Cyprus.
Furthermore, the relevant material from the European Parliament, as part of the work of the PEGA Committee, noted that the activity under review did not involve cyber intrusions or wiretapping.”
It also lists five facts regarding the findings of the investigations in Cyprus concerning the black van, while it assesses that, based on these five points, the matter should be considered closed with regard to his involvement in the case:
“Fact No. 1: I cooperated fully and consistently with the Cypriot authorities. I devoted more than 60 hours to 18 meetings with police investigators. This was followed by extensive technical and forensic examinations of the antennas at the airport and at the van.
Fact No. 2: Van and the Wi-Fi installation at the airport were technically examined by experts from the Cypriot Police. Electronic data was also forwarded to a specialized unit at Europol.
Fact No. 3: The Police issued reports on technical and forensic examinations of both the van and the antennas, documenting the findings of those examinations. We are in possession of these reports.
Fact No. 4: The vehicle and the seized evidence were subsequently returned to the company (Wispear) by the competent authorities.
Fact No. 5: The van was a demonstration vehicle. The demonstrations were conducted, in accordance with standard industry practice, using equipment owned by the company.
This is the documented sequence of events: the equipment was examined, the data were analyzed in Cyprus and by Europol, and the investigations found no evidence of operational surveillance or eavesdropping activities.”
“I have never collaborated with any government agency or political party.”
It should be noted that the Attorney General decided to suspend criminal proceedings against Dillian and two other individuals in Cyprus, citing the complexity of the case. In 2022, the company Wispear pleaded guilty to 42 charges and was fined €76,000 by the Larnaca District Court. However, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the system had been used to intercept the content of specific communications in Cyprus. When asked whether he had collaborated with any government authority, political figures, or other entity in Cyprus regarding wiretapping or surveillance, Tal Dillian replied in the negative and stated:
“Neither I personally nor any company affiliated with me has ever entered into an agreement with any government authority, police or intelligence agency, government agency, or political party in Cyprus to provide surveillance, wiretapping, telephone monitoring, or similar services.
The Chief of the Cyprus Police addressed this specific issue on two separate occasions. In both instances, he clarified that neither I nor any companies affiliated with me had ever sold or provided surveillance systems or services to the Cypriot Police.
The Connection to Avni
At the same time, the van’s owner denies any connection to another key figure in the surveillance case, the Israeli businessman Avni. This is Avraham Shahak Avni, who was behind the company NCIS Intelligence and Security Services Ltd. and other firms. His activities in Greece and Cyprus have been a major concern for the authorities, as did the ties between Mr. Avni and his companies and political figures, security forces, and agencies in Cyprus regarding the issue of surveillance. Avni’s relationship with Dillian had come under scrutiny by Cypriot authorities, with Dillian admitting that they knew each other but at the same time asserting that they had no business ties whatsoever, particularly regarding the matter in question.
“Some people continue to promote the same narratives and link individuals, companies, transactions, and events solely on the basis of alleged connections between them.
I know Mr. Avraham Shahak Avni. He is a different person who operated through separate companies and business ventures. His transactions and business relationships should not be attributed to me or to companies associated with me. European Parliament documents state that WiSpear Systems Ltd. was established in Cyprus in 2013. I first met Mr. Avni in June 2016.
Consequently, an alleged transaction involving one of Mr. Avni’s companies from 2011 cannot be attributed to me or to WiSpear.”
“I have nothing to hide; let the facts speak for themselves.”
At the same time, Tal Dillian assures that he has nothing to hide and that he will cooperate fully with the Cypriot authorities by providing all the necessary information and evidence.
“If the Republic of Cyprus decides to investigate any aspect of the case, I will cooperate fully and provide the information at my disposal, as I have always done.
What matters is that the facts be clarified based on evidence and reliable, lawful technical and forensic procedures. Individuals, companies, transactions, and events must not be linked merely on the basis of correlations and figments of the imagination.”
Appeal pending in Greece in December
In Greece, Tal Dillian and three other individuals were convicted in the case involving surveillance using the Predator software. Through ALPHA, he is sending a message to the Greek authorities regarding his pending appeal.
“There are clearly interested parties, both in Cyprus and in Greece, who wish to carry over the already-circulating false narrative to Cyprus and build upon it to create yet another false narrative in Greece.
However, this does not make either the connection or the narrative they are attempting to construct true. I have presented the facts and the truth regarding Cyprus. As for Greece, my position is absolutely clear:
We did not operate a surveillance system in Greece. Only the facts and the evidence matter. In the upcoming appeal in December 2026, slogans, headlines, and allegations will not suffice. Only actual facts and evidence carry weight and significance.
