Chinese spy and US pressure: what is really behind the high-profile arrest of a Greek colonel

Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP) jointly with the General Staff of National Defense detained officer Hellenic Air Force on suspicion of transferring classified information to China.

According to state media, we are talking about 54-year-old colonelcommander of the 128th Communications and Electronics Training Squadron, who had access to classified telecommunications systems, digital applications and technologies NATO.

Arrest on Chinese espionage case in Greece with implications for NATO. @JMichaelWaller @SinoTalk @SinoInsider https://t.co/XmIHxWOOYy

— Nicholas Eftimiades (@neftimiades) February 8, 2026

Reportedly surveillance of an officer was carried out since October last year after receiving information from American intelligence services. During the investigation, it was established that he used special equipment to photograph documents and transfer them to the PRC using encrypted software.

According to the ΕΡΤ TV channel, the arrested man admitted guilt during interrogation and called my Chinese contact, located in Beijing. Contacts with him were established during a private trip to China in 2024, about which the officer did not notify management.

It is also reported that payment for the transmitted information was made in cryptocurrencies. According to other sources, monthly transfers could amount to about 5 thousand euros, which looks like an extremely modest amount for information of this level.

At least three other people are under suspicion, including two retired military officers who maintained contacts with China. The investigation is considering the existence of a wider intelligence network.

What makes the case especially serious is the fact that the officer had access to operational plans, electronic warfare programs, personnel movements and other sensitive defense data.

Geopolitical context

It is noteworthy that the case of the “Chinese spy” appeared shortly after statements from the US Ambassador about the need to oust China from strategic sectors of Greece, primarily from port management Piraeus.

In American political circles, theses are increasingly being heard that Chinese presence in Piraeus supposedly threatens the security of the alliance and should be revised in favor of the Western partners.

In fact, we are talking about an attempt to return control of a key logistics hub in the Eastern Mediterranean to American influence.

Against this background, the emergence of a high-profile case about Chinese intelligence looks at least timely.

Formally, there is no direct legal connection between these events. However, in international politics such “coincidences” are rarely accidental, especially when it comes to billions of investments and redistribution of spheres of influence.

Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s too convenient.

If found guilty, the officer faces life in prison. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out more arrests.

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