Athens, Greece. Greek investigators suspect an espionage case inside the armed forces may involve more people than the air force officer already under arrest. Authorities are examining whether a wider network supported the alleged leaks of classified material to China.
Widening investigation and suspected network
The 54-year-old wing commander is accused of leaking military secrets to China. Investigators believe he began selling classified material to a Chinese contact in October and are examining whether he was recruited by another person described as a “shadow figure.”
Security services and specialist investigators from the Hellenic National Defence General Staff’s Cybersecurity Directorate say they have identified this individual, who appears to have directed aspects of the case. Authorities are examining the relationship between the shadow figure and the officer under strict secrecy.
Two retired officers under scrutiny
Two additional individuals have come under scrutiny, with information pointing to two retired officers who allegedly maintain communication channels with China and with similar “handlers” to the one linked to the wing commander.
According to reports, one of the retired officers has a working relationship with the Chinese aviation sector. Authorities are gathering evidence cautiously and discreetly.
Arrest in Kavouri and phone findings
The wing commander was arrested inside his office at his unit in Kavouri. Cybersecurity teams used electronic device detection tools and located a second mobile phone that investigators say the officer had not declared as required by regulations.
A specialist officer took possession of the device and began recovering deleted files while others questioned the suspect. Investigators say the phone showed multiple transfers of material and signs of illicit financial transactions, and they are also probing possible cryptocurrency holdings.
Alleged communications with a handler in Beijing
Investigators allege the officer used the second phone to send documents and plans of the armed forces to a Chinese handler, photographing classified information and transmitting it to Beijing using encrypted software.
They say contact between the wing commander and the handler was established in Beijing in 2024 during a private trip. Military personnel are obliged to notify their units of such travel, and investigators say his failure to do so raised suspicions and marked him as a potential spy.
Access to classified NATO and Greek military material
Investigators say the officer fit a profile targeted for recruitment, citing his training and expertise in electronic systems and electronic warfare. As a commander, they say, he had access to classified material involving NATO and Greek military assets, operational plans, and personnel movements.
What developments will investigators cite next as they assess whether more suspects were involved in the case?