Greek authorities have arrested a Wing Commander of the Hellenic Air Force following the uncovering of an alleged espionage case involving the transmission of highly classified military information to China. According to official statements, the case is treated as exceptionally serious, with investigations continuing to determine whether it involves a wider network.

Arrest and initial findings

As announced by the General Staff of National Defence (GEETHA), the arrested officer was not acting in isolation and had attempted to recruit additional individuals. The suspect is a 53 year old Wing Commander of the Hellenic Air Force, serving as a unit commander in Kavouri, who allegedly transmitted classified information to China using specialised, secure software.

Military sources indicate that the decision to arrest him was taken shortly before he was due to release further information to third parties. The data reportedly concerned high level technological capabilities of Greece.

Access to sensitive military data

The officer had been seconded to the Hellenic Air Force General Staff and had direct access to critical operational data, including operational planning, aircraft movements, and NATO related plans and strategies. According to initial information, these materials were allegedly sent to Chinese authorities through specialised, classified communication software.

Sources report that the information was transmitted in exchange for financial gain. There are also indications that the suspect sought to recruit other military personnel for the same purpose.

Investigation and interrogation

The 53 year old Wing Commander is currently being questioned by the competent military service and the National Intelligence Service (EYP). He is reported to have acknowledged the illegality of his actions in leaking highly classified military information to third parties.

Implications for national security

The case has raised significant concern at both political and military levels. The alleged leakage of sensitive military data is considered to pose risks not only to Greece’s national security but also to broader regional and geopolitical stability.

According to available information, the officer allegedly transmitted communication frequencies in real time, highlighting the potential threat to the safety of military operations and communications.

The arrest was carried out on Thursday morning (5 February) during a coordinated operation in the presence of a public prosecutor and with the involvement of the National Intelligence Service, underlining the gravity of the case. Authorities are examining the suspect’s professional and personal contacts to identify any possible accomplices or external connections.

Official response from GEETHA and the government

In its official statement, the General Staff of National Defence said the arrest followed “clear indications of the commission of criminal acts”, namely the collection and transmission of military secrets to third parties. The actions of the officer are assessed as having created an immediate risk to Greece’s national interests.

The government and the competent ministers have been briefed on the case and have stressed that all prescribed legal procedures will be followed to safeguard justice and national security.

Strengthening security measures

In response to the incident, the military leadership is taking steps to reinforce security measures, particularly in military communications, to prevent similar cases. At the same time, the National Intelligence Service and counterintelligence units have increased monitoring efforts to identify any additional threats that may emerge.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further details expected to be disclosed regarding the scope of the alleged data breach.

Source: iefimerida.gr

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