Air Force colonel arrested in Greece on suspicion of spying for China
Greek law enforcement officers arrested a 54-year-old colonel of the Air Force on suspicion of spying for China. The officer had been in charge of a telecommunications unit since 2014 and had access to military and NATO networks.
What is known from the investigation
According to the investigation:
the suspect transmitted classified information through encrypted communication channels;
The leaks concerned NATO projects, radar systems, arms procurement and military planning;
checking the possible existence of accomplices or a wider agent network;
During interrogations, the officer allegedly admitted his guilt and named a contact in China.
The investigation was launched following a tip-off from the US intelligence services, which informed Greek intelligence of a possible leak of classified data.
Possible penalties
The colonel faces up to 20 years in prison. In addition, under the new Greek military law, he may face additional punishment in the form of deprivation of citizenship.
Context.
Espionage cases involving leaks of military information and activities of foreign intelligence services have become increasingly common in NATO countries in recent years. They are seen as a serious threat to the security of the Alliance's defence programmes and joint military projects.
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