A 59-year-old man faces spying charges after filming NATO operations at a Greek port. Officials say the area plays a key role in moving military gear to Ukraine.
Suspect Caught Photographing Military Activity
Greek police and the National Intelligence Service arrested a 59-year-old man on April 29. Authorities say he filmed and took photos of NATO activity at the busy port of Alexandroupolis. The port is in northern Greece and serves as a major transit point for U.S. and NATO equipment heading to eastern Europe and Ukraine.
Officials claim that the man shared these materials through an encrypted messaging app. They apprehended him during a joint operation carried out by police and intelligence officers.
Port Considered Vital for Military Aid
Greek authorities describe the port as a critical supply line. It enables NATO and U.S. forces to bypass the Black Sea and send support through safer routes. From Greece, equipment moves by land or air to countries like Romania, Poland, and Ukraine.
This port is crucial for military operations, making any unauthorized surveillance here a serious national security threat.
Suspect Appears in Court, Denies Charges
The man appeared before a magistrate for a preliminary hearing in Alexandroupolis. During the hearing, he denied the espionage charges. Judicial officials say he claimed he had done nothing wrong.
His lawyer argued that the images were taken from public events and had already been shared by the media. The defense further insisted that the man had no intention to harm Greece or NATO.
Accused Man Has Foreign Ties, Say Officials
Greek state television reported that the man is a Greek citizen born in Georgia. Police indicated that he may have been working with another person, although they did not name this individual.
Authorities are also investigating whether he has links to Russian intelligence. Reports suggest that the man may have been in contact with a Lithuanian national, who is allegedly tied to Russian espionage operations.
Court Orders Pre-Trial Detention
Despite his denials, the court decided to keep the suspect in custody. Prosecutors have filed charges of espionage, citing national security concerns related to the videos and images. These materials are said to pose a threat to both Greece and NATO’s operations.
The court’s ruling comes as authorities continue to investigate the man’s affiliations and the exact nature of his activities.
Lawyer Defends Suspect’s Actions
The man’s lawyer claims that he never intended to engage in espionage. According to the defense team, the images were public and did not contain classified information. The lawyer argued that the man only documented events already visible to the public.
However, Greek officials stress that sharing footage of military operations—regardless of its secrecy—can still compromise security. They say such material could assist enemies in understanding troop movements, logistics, and operational plans.
Growing Fears of Foreign Surveillance in Europe
This case is part of a broader concern about increasing espionage activities in Europe, particularly linked to Russia. Several European nations, including Germany and the United Kingdom, have faced similar incidents. Intelligence agencies are warning that Russian espionage efforts have intensified amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Just last year, German police arrested several military personnel for allegedly leaking sensitive information to Russia. Similarly, the UK expelled Russian diplomats over accusations of espionage. European officials now see these actions as part of a larger strategy to undermine NATO.
Greece Increases Security Measures
Greece has ramped up its security since the start of the Ukraine war. It has strengthened cooperation with NATO and has become a key player in moving military support to Ukraine. As a result, Greek ports, especially Alexandroupolis, are now under heavy surveillance.
Greek officials have implemented measures such as drone monitoring and more checkpoints to ensure that only authorized personnel access sensitive areas.
Case Could Take Months to Resolve
Greek authorities are continuing their investigation. They are also collaborating with NATO nations to understand the full scope of the security breach. It may take months before the trial begins, and additional charges could be added based on the findings.
For now, the man remains in detention. His fate will depend on the results of the investigation and trial, which may have far-reaching consequences for how Greece handles national security moving forward.