The Chinese have recently developed a new instrument known as Massistant.

• Massistant is believed to be the successor to the Chinese forensics solution, “MFSocket”, which was reported in 2019 and linked to the publicly listed cybersecurity firm, Meiya Pico.
• This forensics utility operates alongside an associated desktop application.
• Massistant can access device GPS location information, SMS texts, photos, audio files, contacts, and telecommunication services.
• Meiya Pico collaborates with both domestic and international law enforcement agencies, serving as a supplier of surveillance hardware and software, as well as providing training programs for law enforcement officials.

According to a news article:

The favorable news, as mentioned by Balaam, is that Massistant leaves traces of its intrusion on the compromised device, allowing users to potentially recognize and remove the malware, either because the hacking tool is displayed as an application or can be located and erased using more advanced tools like the Android Debug Bridge, a command line utility that allows a user to connect to a device via their computer.

However, the unfavorable news is that by the time Massistant is installed, the harm is already inflicted, and authorities have acquired the individual’s data.

Slashdot thread.