Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 2 hrs ago
Spain’s Guardia Civil buys remote-access software for Android and iPhones
Spain’s Guardia Civil has bought software for remote phone searches for about €2.5 million.
The system is designed to work on Android phones and iPhones belonging to people under investigation, without first taking the devices away.
The contract went to Fortier Europe in March 2026, according to the public contract record.
Spanish law permits remote searches only with a judge’s approval and for a limited set of serious offences, including terrorism and crimes involving criminal organisations.
A judge must set limits on each search, including which devices may be accessed and how the data will be protected; approval can last up to a month and be extended to a maximum of three months.
The public documents leave key technical details unclear, including how the software would be installed and whether physical access to a phone would be needed.
The Guardia Civil has bought software for remotely searching Android and iPhone devices.
The contract was awarded to Fortier Europe for €2,066,115.70 before VAT, or about €2.5 million including tax.
The software is intended to access the contents and communications of phones belonging to people under investigation without seizing the devices.
The contract documents do not identify the product’s manufacturer or explain how the software would be installed.
Spanish law allows remote searches only with judicial authorization and for specified categories of crime.
- Who
- Spain’s Guardia Civil bought the software from Fortier Europe S.L.U.
- What
- A system for remotely searching Android and iPhone devices.
- When
- The contract was awarded on 26 March 2026. It was reported in October 2026.
- Where
- Spain. Fortier Europe is based in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid.
- Why
- The system is intended to let authorities access phones belonging to people under investigation without seizing the devices.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The contract was awarded to Fortier Europe.
Xataka reported details of the contract and the system’s intended capabilities.
Hoy reported that the Guardia Civil had acquired the system.
- Contract price before VAT
- €2,066,115.70
- Approximate price including tax
- €2.5 million
- Contract recipient
- Fortier Europe S.L.U.
- Contract award date
- 26 March 2026
- Supported operating systems
- Android and iOS
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