Greek Colonel Caught Spying for China in Major Leak [VIDEO]

Top Greek Officer Confesses to Spying for Beijing

On February 5, 2026, Greek authorities arrested a high-ranking officer from the Hellenic Air Force on charges of espionage.

The suspect, a 54-year-old colonel, was detained inside a military facility in the Athens region after months of surveillance by Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP).

The arrest followed a tip-off from a Western intelligence agency, the U.S. CIA—indicating that highly sensitive military information had been leaked to China.

Officials from the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) confirmed evidence of the collection and transmission of classified military data to third parties, posing a significant risk to national security.

The officer, who commanded a training battalion focused on telecommunications and electronic systems at a base in Kavouri, had access to restricted information across multiple branches of the Greek armed forces and allied nations, including NATO-related materials.

The colonel allegedly used encrypted communication software and specialized devices—reportedly provided by his Chinese contacts—to photograph and transmit classified documents electronically from within his unit. Reports indicate he was recruited several months ago by a Chinese national and had escalated his activities recently, including attempts to recruit other service members for access to additional sensitive material. Greek investigators intercepted transmissions and moved to arrest him just as he prepared to send another batch of information.

The case has drawn parallels to a simultaneous espionage arrest in France involving alleged Chinese-linked transmission of military secrets, raising concerns about a broader European spy network targeting Western defense technologies.

During initial questioning by officials from the EYP, military intelligence, and the military prosecutor, the colonel reportedly confessed to his actions and identified his handler based in China.

He faces serious charges, including espionage, illegal collection of information (potentially carrying a life sentence), and transmitting secret military data (up to 20 years imprisonment).

Under Greece’s updated Military Penal Code, a conviction could also result in the loss of citizenship. He was formally remanded in custody on February 6, 2026, and is scheduled to appear before a military judge soon.

The incident has heightened tensions over foreign interference in NATO member states, particularly amid ongoing concerns about China’s intelligence activities in Europe.

This espionage case underscores vulnerabilities in protecting classified technologies within allied militaries, especially in areas like communications, electronics, and emerging defense systems. Greek officials have emphasized close cooperation with Western partners in detecting and countering such threats, while the affair has sparked discussions about enhancing internal security protocols and vetting processes. As the investigation continues, authorities are probing potential links to wider networks and assessing the full scope of compromised information, which could impact transatlantic security and Greece’s strategic position in the region.