Event e379da21-6efa-4af3-9eab-7dfec22263db

Approved event from Hybrid War Tracker

Status: Approved Confidence: High Classification: Intelligence & Espionage > Human Intelligence (HUMINT) > Recruitment of locals Country: Greece Where: Land Tag: espionage Tag: China Tag: Greece Tag: NATO Tag: military Tag: intelligence Tag: spy Tag: cybersecurity Tag: National Intelligence Service Tag: legal Aggressor Confidence: High
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Event Time
19h ago
Created
18h ago
✏️
Updated
7h ago

Summary

Headline: Air Force colonel remanded in custody in alleged China espionage case

Short Summary: On February 6, 2026, a 54-year-old Air Force colonel in Greece was remanded in custody after being accused of espionage involving China. The colonel allegedly used encrypted communication software to transmit sensitive military information related to NATO and Greek defense networks. The investigation started months prior following a tip from the US Central Intelligence Agency that the officer was leaking NATO-related information. Greek security services including the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and military cybersecurity directorate uncovered the colonel's contacts in China and confiscated his mobile phone. The accused has commanded the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Squadron in Kavouri, Attica since 2014 and served as a NATO-accredited evaluator. The charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment with possible loss of Greek citizenship. Defense counsel stated the client remains confident justice will prevail while authorities continue probing for accomplices or a broader spy network.

Extended Summary: On February 6, 2026, a 54-year-old Air Force colonel in Greece was remanded in custody after being accused of espionage involving China. The colonel allegedly used encrypted communication software to transmit sensitive military information related to NATO and Greek defense networks. The investigation started months prior following a tip from the US Central Intelligence Agency that the officer was leaking NATO-related information. Greek security services including the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and military cybersecurity directorate uncovered the colonel's contacts in China and confiscated his mobile phone. The accused has commanded the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Squadron in Kavouri, Attica since 2014 and served as a NATO-accredited evaluator. The charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment with possible loss of Greek citizenship. Defense counsel stated the client remains confident justice will prevail while authorities continue probing for accomplices or a broader spy network.

Description

A 54-year-old Hellenic Air Force colonel has been remanded in custody for alleged espionage involving China. He is suspected of transmitting highly classified military information related to NATO and Greek military networks to third parties via encrypted communication software. The investigation began months ago following U.S. intelligence alerts and involves multiple Greek security agencies. The colonel commanded the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Squadron in Kavouri, Attica since 2014, with access to sensitive military programs and NATO communications. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years and loss of Greek citizenship under the Military Penal Code. Authorities continue to investigate potential accomplices or wider networks.

Event Classification

Aggressor Event

Rationale

The event is clearly an aggressor action involving alleged espionage for China targeting NATO-related secrets by a Greek military officer, with explicit sources and investigation details. No defense preparation actions are described.

Evidence

Quotes

"A Hellenic Air Force colonel accused of espionage involving China has been remanded in custody following his appearance before an investigating magistrate."
"The 54-year-old officer is suspected of transmitting highly classified military information to third parties using encrypted communication software, allegedly risking harm to national security."
"The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while under the new Military Penal Code a conviction could also result in the loss of Greek citizenship."
"Defense lawyer Vasilis Hirdaris said his client, who was arrested on Thursday, remains calm and confident that justice will prevail."
"State broadcaster ERT reported that the colonel allegedly confessed during questioning by officials from the Hellenic National Defense General Staff's cybersecurity directorate, the National Intelligence Service (EYP) officers and the military prosecutor and identified his contact in China. Officials also reportedly unlocked his mobile phone."
"The investigation began months ago after the US Central Intelligence Agency informed EYP that a Greek Armed Forces officer was leaking sensitive NATO-related information, prompting immediate notification of military commanders."
"The colonel has commanded the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Squadron in Kavouri, Attica, since 2014. A communications and information systems engineer, he had access to NATO and Greek military networks, including projects involving airborne radar systems, weapons procurement, and allied operational planning. He also served as a NATO-accredited evaluator in communications and information systems."
"Authorities are continuing to examine his contacts to determine whether accomplices or a wider network may be involved."
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