Greek authorities arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man in Crete on Saturday in a joint operation by the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and police’s counter-terrorism unit, accusing him of membership in Hamas as well as receiving terrorist training, travel for terrorist purposes and planning attacks.

According to investigators, the suspect is believed to have links to individuals arrested recently in Cyprus in terrorism-related cases. Authorities are examining the extent of his contacts and activities, as well as possible connections to a broader network.

Police said searches of properties in Crete and Athens led to the seizure of mobile phones, a laptop computer, data-storage devices, bank cards and laboratory equipment. The materials are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

The suspect is expected to appear before a local prosecutor, while the investigation remains ongoing.

The arrest comes weeks after Cypriot authorities announced the detention of two individuals in a terrorism investigation, a case that prompted heightened scrutiny of potential militant networks operating in the eastern Mediterranean. Greek security services have remained on alert since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023 amid concerns that regional tensions could spill over into Europe.

According to reports published over the weekend, Greek investigators believe the suspect formed part of a Hamas-linked cell and had been under close surveillance after information obtained during the Cyprus investigation led authorities to his whereabouts in Crete. Authorities have not publicly disclosed whether any imminent attack plot was uncovered.