A senior officer of the Greek Air Force was taken to Athens Military Court on Friday after being arrested for espionage, in a case that has drawn attention to national and international security concerns. The 54-year-old officer has been granted a hearing on Tuesday, February 10, at 10 a.m.
His lawyer, Vasilis Cheirdaris, said the defense is reviewing the case files and will present arguments to the investigator. He described his client as calm and confident that justice will be served.
Extensive Military Background
The officer, a communications and IT systems engineer, has served over 30 years in the Greek Air Force. He held a critical role in the 128th Air Force Telecommunications and Electronics Training Wing (128ΣΕΤΗ) in Kavouri, Athens, a unit responsible for training permanent and conscripted personnel, maintaining communications systems, and supporting operational units.
He holds an MSc in Guided Weapons Systems from Cranfield University in the UK, has completed numerous cybersecurity courses, and served in roles ranging from radar maintenance engineer to IT systems administrator and project director for large defense contracts. He is also a certified NATO communications and IT evaluator.
Espionage and International Links
According to Greek authorities, the officer had access to highly sensitive NATO and military information, including electronic warfare, aircraft operations, and communications systems. He reportedly leaked information to China and attempted to recruit additional collaborators into a spy network.
The investigation intensified after the French intelligence services alerted Greek authorities to suspicious activity. Greek cybersecurity teams, in cooperation with the National Intelligence Service (EYP), examined the officer’s phone and recovered critical data. Military sources confirmed that their intervention prevented the potential leakage of large volumes of classified information.
Authorities are also investigating potential links between the officer and a network recently dismantled in France, where four individuals, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested for attempting to collect satellite and military intelligence for China.
Court Proceedings and Charges
The officer faces charges of collecting and leaking classified military information with the potential to harm national interests. Evidence suggests he met with individuals from China, though it remains unclear whether physical documents or digital files were handed over.
The case has been handed over for full judicial investigation, and the officer is expected to appear before the military justice system in the coming hours. Authorities emphasize that the investigation highlights ongoing threats to national security and the importance of monitoring sensitive military personnel.
