A senior Greek Air Force officer has admitted to spying for China, revealing the identity of his handler known as “Steven” and detailing a scheme involving secret documents, encrypted communication, and cryptocurrency payments.
The 54-year-old officer appeared before a military court on Tuesday to respond to serious espionage charges that carry long-term prison sentences. During questioning, he confessed to passing sensitive information and identified his Chinese contact, whom Greek authorities have confirmed is an officer in China’s intelligence services.
Their cooperation began in 2025 after a meeting at a Piraeus restaurant and continued through meetings in Athens and Beijing, alongside encrypted communications. Initially, the officer provided geopolitical analyses for modest payments of €500–600, but the operation quickly escalated. He began transmitting classified military documents of national importance.
The espionage was financially motivated. According to his confession, he received €5,000 per month or €15,000 per quarter via a crypto wallet on a specially provisioned, illegal phone. To avoid detection, he withdrew small amounts of €200–300 at a time from ATMs, often disguised. Authorities are still investigating additional funds in Chinese bank accounts.
The information sought by the Chinese handler included technical specifications of weapon systems, specialized military software, and network access codes, suggesting an attempt to replicate Western military technology.
Following his interrogation, the officer signed full confessions, confirming the extent of his espionage activities.
Meanwhile, intelligence services are investigating a potential broader network, including three other individuals, two of whom are retired officers, and a woman believed to be the Chinese agent’s superior. Evidence indicates she may have initially approached the Greek officer, with authorities also examining the role of a defense consultancy that the officer had contacted, which may have served as a recruitment channel.
