Dated June 23, 2026, a high-profile political controversy has emerged in the wake of a search operation targeting a senior opposition figure, with former United Democratic Party (UDP) Deputy Chairman Alberto August accusing state authorities of attempting to hack into his two seized mobile phones.
The confrontation traces back to May 30, when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at August’s private residence, removing only the two personal and business cellphones in his possession while leaving other property untouched. August confirms that the search was triggered by a Facebook post he published reacting to the murder of Dr. Nuan Bonilla, which referenced Home Affairs Minister Oscar Mira. The former opposition deputy leader has openly acknowledged authoring the post, and maintains that the content of the post carries no criminal liability based on legal advice he has received.
August emphasizes that even with his open admission of posting the content, law enforcement still proceeded to seize his devices, a move he calls unnecessary. In his statement, he argues that since he never denied making the post, there was no justifiable reason for authorities to take his phones to confirm the fact of publication.
Beyond his hacking allegation, August detailed the far-reaching disruption the seizure has caused to both his personal life and professional operations. Core business documents, including contract templates and digital payment receipt systems, are all stored on the seized devices, leaving him unable to fulfill outstanding client commitments and process routine transactions.
“There was no need for them to search for the phone because I am not denying that I made the post,” August said, echoing the position laid out by his representative Mr. Peyrefitte. “It has been a great inconvenience. Right now, I have a few persons who are waiting for contracts. Because all the formats are on the phone and persons who are making payments, you can’t give them the receipts because all of that system is on the phone. So in terms of my business operating systems it’s all on the phone.”
August stresses that he stands firmly behind his original social media commentary, while insisting that no incriminating evidence exists on either of the seized devices. The incident has added new friction to an already charged political climate surrounding the investigation into Dr. Nuan Bonilla’s murder.