Greece arrests military officer on espionage charges

Greek defense authorities have arrested a member of the armed forces on charges of espionage for allegedly leaking classified military information to a foreign country, the Greek National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) said on Thursday.

The arrest took place early Thursday within a military facility, in coordination with other state services and in the presence of an authorized prosecutor, GEETHA said in a statement.

According to the military, the officer is accused of collecting and transmitting secret information of military significance to third parties, actions that authorities said posed a risk to Greece’s national interests. The suspect allegedly had access to sensitive data and was transmitting classified material to an unidentified recipient.

Sources cited by CNN Greece said the National Intelligence Service had monitored the suspect for several months before moving to arrest him, citing concerns over the sensitivity of the information involved. The officer is also alleged to have attempted to recruit other individuals.

Investigators reportedly discovered evidence in the suspect’s possession, including software used to transmit the classified information. GEETHA said the arrest followed “clear indications of criminal acts” under the Military Penal Code.

Further details about the case have not been disclosed.