A specialized encrypted application installed on a Greek Air Force colonel’s mobile phone served as the primary conduit for transmitting classified NATO documents to Chinese intelligence, authorities revealed as the espionage probe widened over the weekend.
By Katia Niakari
Investigators say the 54-year-old officer, a unit commander based in Kavouri, used the software to photograph sensitive files and convert them into encrypted data readable only by handlers in China.
The breach reportedly included operational plans from both the Hellenic Armed Forces and NATO.
The colonel was allegedly recruited during a trip to China by an agent posing as a technology executive. Sources indicate the officer received approximately €30,000 in cryptocurrency payments over the past year through a digital wallet provided by his handlers.
While initially denying the charges, the suspect confessed after National Intelligence Service (EYP) agents cracked the encryption on one of his devices.
Forensic analysis confirmed he had transmitted a classified document on the very morning of his arrest.
"The suspect used his rank to bypass security protocols," a defense official stated.
Authorities are now probing whether the colonel enlisted subordinates to access restricted archives. The investigation has expanded to trace the funding sources, while military prosecutors assess the full extent of the national security fallout.