Greek police arrested a 59-year-old man on April 29 in the port city of Alexandroupolis for filming and sharing videos of US and NATO military activity. Authorities said the suspect, a Greek citizen born in Georgia, recorded sensitive movements at the port and sent the material using an encrypted app. The port is a key transit point for military equipment heading to Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Officials confirmed the man worked for someone else but have not revealed who received the information.
Suspect Filmed NATO Operations, Shared Files Securely
According to Greek authorities, the man took photos and videos of foreign military forces while they were loading or unloading equipment. These included both US and NATO troops using Alexandroupolis as a base for operations in Eastern Europe.
He then used an encrypted mobile application to send the data. Officials from the Hellenic Police and Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) carried out the arrest during a planned surveillance operation.
“His actions posed a national security risk,” one source close to the investigation said. The port has been a strategic hub since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Investigators Probe Foreign Intelligence Links
Greek state media reported the man may have ties to Russian intelligence, possibly through contacts in Lithuania. Although officials have not publicly confirmed this link, the man’s background and digital behavior raised suspicions.
Investigators are currently reviewing encrypted messages and other digital evidence found on his phone and computer. Authorities believe the suspect did not act alone and are now tracking his communication history.
One official stated, “We are looking at his possible cooperation with foreign agencies, including Russian security services.”
Trial Awaits as Suspect Denies Espionage Charges
Police took the man before a magistrate in Alexandroupolis on Friday for a preliminary hearing. He denied all charges, claiming he did not send any classified content.
His lawyer said the images were not secret, and many were similar to what is already shown in public broadcasts or online. “There is no evidence that my client shared any sensitive or unknown data,” the lawyer said.
Despite this, the judge ordered the man to remain in custody while the case proceeds. No trial date has been set yet.
Alexandroupolis Port a Key NATO Hub
The port of Alexandroupolis has grown in importance for NATO operations, especially since tensions with Russia began to rise.
It allows for the fast transfer of military goods and troops into Eastern Europe, bypassing congested or risk-prone routes.
US and NATO forces have regularly used the port to move tanks, vehicles, and other heavy equipment toward Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.
This high level of activity has attracted attention from both allies and adversaries.
Greece Strengthens Counterintelligence Measures
The arrest comes amid growing concerns in Europe about espionage targeting Western military logistics. Greek intelligence has been expanding its counterintelligence efforts to guard against such threats.
In recent months, authorities have tightened surveillance around military sites, ports, and foreign troop movements.
Security analysts note that Russia has increased efforts to collect intelligence across NATO borders.
According to EuroNews24.com, the number of spying cases linked to Russia has risen in several EU countries since the war in Ukraine began.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The case has sparked debate in Greece over national security and freedom of expression. Some citizens question whether filming in public places should lead to jail time. Others support the government’s actions, saying any risks to military safety must be taken seriously.
Authorities stress that while casual filming may not be a crime, sharing images of active military operations, especially through secure channels, raises red flags.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and may result in further arrests if links to foreign intelligence are confirmed.
The case highlights rising tension between public transparency and national security in Europe. As military cooperation grows at key ports like Alexandroupolis, so does the risk of spying. Greek officials continue to examine the suspect’s contacts and encrypted messages.