Bryan Fleming, founder of the now-defunct spyware company pcTattletale, has pleaded guilty to federal charges in a San Diego federal court. His company enabled customers to illegally spy on individuals through their phones and computers. Fleming admitted to computer hacking, selling and advertising surveillance software for unlawful uses, and conspiracy, marking a significant development in the fight against stalkerware.

This guilty plea culminates a multi-year investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. HSI initiated its probe into pcTattletale in mid-2021, as part of a broader crackdown on consumer-grade surveillance software, commonly known as stalkerware.

This case represents the first successful U.S. federal prosecution of a stalkerware operator in over a decade, following the 2014 conviction of the StealthGenie app creator. Experts believe Fleming's conviction could set a precedent, encouraging further federal action against both spyware operators and those who merely advertise and sell covert surveillance software. HSI confirmed that pcTattletale is among several stalkerware platforms currently under investigation.

Representatives for ICE, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, and Fleming’s lawyer, Marcus Bourassa, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

pcTattletale, controlled by Fleming since at least 2016, operated as a remote surveillance application. This type of stalkerware allowed individuals to secretly track others' data, including romantic partners and spouses, a practice illegal in the U.S. and many other nations. The software, once installed on a target's device (often requiring physical access and login credentials), continuously uploaded sensitive information like messages, photos, and location data to pcTattletale's servers, making it accessible to the installer.

Fleming ultimately shut down pcTattletale in 2024 after a significant data breach. This incident saw a hacker deface the company's website and exfiltrate extensive data, including identifiable information of over 138,000 customers and their victims, which was subsequently listed on Have I Been Pwned. Fleming had previously stated to TechCrunch that the company was "out of business and completely done" after deleting server contents. However, federal agents were already deep into their investigation of his illicit spyware operation.

Federal Agents Raid Founder's Michigan Home

HSI's investigation into pcTattletale began in June 2021, spurred by the discovery of numerous stalkerware websites. While many advertised ostensibly legal uses like monitoring children or employees, pcTattletale prominently marketed its spyware for "surreptitiously spying on spouses and partners," as detailed by HSI special agent Nick Jones in a 2022 affidavit supporting a search warrant for Fleming's residence. This affidavit was unsealed in December 2025.

A key factor for investigators was Fleming's operation of pcTattletale from his Bruce Township, Michigan, home, placing him within reach of U.S. law enforcement—unlike many overseas stalkerware operators. Fleming was notably bold in his marketing, even appearing in YouTube videos promoting pcTattletale as its creator.

In 2022, HSI secured a warrant to search Fleming's email accounts, which revealed his active assistance to customers seeking to spy on non-consenting adults. Federal agents also conducted surveillance on his home to confirm his identity.

Special Agent Jones further gathered evidence by going undercover as an affiliate marketer, exchanging emails with Fleming. During this operation, Fleming provided banner ad images explicitly promoting the spyware as a tool to "catch a cheater," unequivocally demonstrating his intent to market the product for illegal purposes.

By November 2022, HSI obtained judicial permission to search Fleming's home, leading to a raid and the seizure of various items. Investigators also accessed Fleming's bank and PayPal records, showing transactions exceeding $600,000 by the end of 2021. The search warrant was initially sealed to prevent evidence tampering. Fleming has since sold the property for $1.2 million, according to public records.

Victory for Privacy Advocates

Fleming's conviction is being hailed as a significant victory by privacy advocates and campaigners dedicated to combating the spread and dangers of stalkerware. Eva Galperin, Director of Cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and co-founder of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, who has extensively investigated this issue, shared her perspective with TechCrunch:

“One of the most striking aspects of this case is the extent to which stalkerware companies like pcTattletale operate out in the open. This is because the people behind these companies so rarely face consequences for selling tools that they themselves say are explicitly for monitoring other people’s devices without their knowledge or consent.”

“I hope that this case changes the risk calculus for makers of stalkerware.”

Fleming's sentencing is anticipated later this year.

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If you or someone you know needs help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) provides 24/7 free, confidential support to victims of domestic abuse and violence. In an emergency, call 911. The Coalition Against Stalkerware offers resources if you suspect your phone has been compromised by spyware.