Between 2012 and 2018, former Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto allegedly received $25 million from two Israeli businessmen in connection with the Pegasus spyware controversy, according to a report by Israeli business outlet The Marker.
The claims surfaced through a confidential arbitration proceeding in Israel between entrepreneurs Avishai Neriah and Uri Ansbacher, who reportedly described the payment as an “investment” in a high-ranking Mexican official, referred to as “N,” widely believed to be Peña Nieto.
The arbitration documents suggest that the businessmen funneled the funds in exchange for privileged access to Mexican government contracts, particularly those involving surveillance technology. Central to these deals was Pegasus, a spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group, which has been widely criticized for its use in targeting journalists, activists, and political opponents.
During Peña Nieto’s administration, Pegasus was reportedly deployed by various Mexican agencies, including the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), and the Center for Investigation and National Security (CISEN).
The report alleges that the businessmen divided influence over Mexican officials and considered their relationship with Peña Nieto a joint business venture. One of the most high-profile alleged surveillance targets was journalist Carmen Aristegui, known for her investigations into government corruption.
Peña Nieto has categorically denied the allegations, calling them “completely false” and lacking any journalistic rigor. In a statement on social media, he criticized the report as baseless and malicious.
While no formal charges have been filed, the revelations have reignited scrutiny over the use of Pegasus in Mexico and the murky intersection of politics, surveillance, and foreign influence. Legal experts and civil society groups are now calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
With information from The Los Angeles Times
