Air Force colonel remanded in custody in alleged China espionage case

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.