Event b7b3a8db-0cc5-4909-942f-17375255334a

Healthy processed event from Hybrid War Tracker

Status: Healthy (Processed) Last Updated: 2026-02-14 Confidence: Low Classification: Intelligence & Espionage > Human Intelligence (HUMINT) > Recruitment of locals Country: Greece Where: Land Node: Node 2: 5th Column Tag: espionage Tag: Greece Tag: China Tag: NATO Tag: military Tag: intelligence Tag: Hellenic National Defence General Staff Tag: To Vima Tag: counterintelligence Aggressor Confidence: High
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Event Time
1w ago
Created
1w ago
✏️
Updated
14h ago

Summary

Headline: Greece arrested a 50-year-old air force officer on espionage charges for allegedly passing classified military and NATO information to China on 5 February 2026.

Short Summary: On 5 February 2026, Greek authorities arrested a 50-year-old air force officer on suspicion of espionage linked to China. The arrest took place early morning at a military facility and was coordinated with Greece's intelligence services. The officer allegedly collected and transmitted classified military information, including material related to NATO, to China using specialised classified software. Greek defence officials described the case as particularly serious and indicated the suspect may lose his Greek nationality. Although the incident does not involve neighbouring Turkey, it holds wider implications including for the United States. The investigation began several months earlier following intelligence shared by an allied country's intelligence service, according to the newspaper To Vima.

Extended Summary: On 5 February 2026, Greek authorities arrested a 50-year-old air force officer on suspicion of espionage linked to China. The arrest took place early morning at a military facility and was coordinated with Greece's intelligence services. The officer allegedly collected and transmitted classified military information, including material related to NATO, to China using specialised classified software. Greek defence officials described the case as particularly serious and indicated the suspect may lose his Greek nationality. Although the incident does not involve neighbouring Turkey, it holds wider implications including for the United States. The investigation began several months earlier following intelligence shared by an allied country's intelligence service, according to the newspaper To Vima.

Description

Greek authorities arrested an air force officer on suspicion of espionage for allegedly collecting and transmitting classified military and NATO-related information to China. The arrest was conducted early on 5 February 2026 at a military facility and coordinated with national intelligence agencies. Officials stated the suspect, a 50-year-old man, used specialised software to funnel confidential data to Beijing and may face loss of Greek nationality. Authorities highlighted the seriousness of the case, stressing the potential classic espionage nature if allegations are confirmed. While not involving neighbouring Turkey, the case has broader security implications, including for the United States. The probe had begun months ago after information from an allied intelligence service was passed to Greek authorities.

Event Classification

Aggressor Event

Rationale

Classified as aggressor event because it describes an air force officer allegedly conducting espionage by passing classified military and NATO information to China. No allied defense preparation actions are described. The source includes an official statement and corroborated details confirming espionage suspicion.