Recently released research on software used by police / intelligence agencies for mobile phone surveillance:
https://citizenlab.org/2014/06/backdoor-hacking-teams-tradecraft-android-implant/. 

The piece in Wired piece covering this was particularly well done:
http://www.wired.com/2014/06/remote-control-system-phone-surveillance/

Also worth a glance:

Associated Press: 
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/eyes-you-experts-reveal-police-hacking-methods-0
VICE:
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/police-grade-mobile-spyware-is-spreading-through-saudi-arabia-and-beyond
International Business Times:
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/hacking-team-tools-allow-governments-take-full-control-your-smartphone-1453987

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Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them