The surveillance firm has been embroiled in lawsuits following allegations that its tools were used to target dissidents.

Israeli spyware firm NSO Group has announced that the company’s chief executive, Shalev Hulio, will step down immediately, and chief operating officer, Yaron Shohat, will oversee the company’s restructuring before a successor is named. said to have been appointed.

About 100 employees were laid off as part of the company’s restructuring on Sunday, and Shohat will lead the company until the board appoints a new CEO, a company source confirmed Sunday.

The surveillance company that makes the Pegasus software is suing after allegations that the tool was used by governments and other agencies to hack the phones of dissidents, human rights activists and journalists.

The NSO says its technology is intended to help catch terrorists, pedophiles and hardline criminals and is sold to “vetted and legitimate” government customers, but the customer list is kept confidential.

“Our products continue to be in high demand by government and law enforcement agencies due to our cutting-edge technology and proven ability to assist these customers in the fight against crime and terrorism,” Shohat said in a statement. I’m here.

“NSO ensures that its breakthrough technology is used for a legitimate and worthy purpose,” he added.