Greek authorities have arrested an air force officer on suspicion of espionage after he allegedly collected and transmitted classified military information – including material related to NATO – to China.
The arrest was carried out in the early hours of 5 February at a military facility and was coordinated with the country’s intelligence services, according to a statement by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
Officials say the officer used specialised classified software to funnel confidential information to Beijing. The defence ministry added that the suspect, a 50-year-old man, may be stripped of Greek nationality.
Authorities described the case as particularly serious, noting that it could constitute classic espionage if the allegations are confirmed. They stressed that, based on the information currently available, the incident does not involve neighbouring Turkey – despite ongoing bilateral tensions – but has wider implications, including for the United States.
The investigation began several months ago, following intelligence passed to Greek authorities by the intelligence service of an allied country, according to the newspaper To Vima.
(aw)