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Greek authorities arrested a 59-year-old man for allegedly filming military activities at the Alexandroupolis port. The arrest, a joint operation between Greek police and the National Intelligence Service, comes amid concerns of espionage. The suspect, a Greek citizen born in Georgia, is accused of filming NATO and US military equipment and personnel. Officials are investigating potential links to Russian intelligence through a contact in Lithuania. The man denies the charges, and authorities have placed him in pre-trial detention while further inquiries continue.

Espionage Allegations at Strategic NATO Hub

The 59-year-old suspect was apprehended in a coordinated effort between Greece’s police and intelligence agencies. Authorities claim the man filmed NATO and US military equipment and personnel stationed at the Alexandroupolis port, a vital NATO logistics hub supporting operations in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

The individual allegedly used a camera and mobile phone to record sensitive military activity, then sent the footage to a person via an encrypted messaging app. Greek officials have raised concerns that the footage could be used for espionage, possibly targeting NATO’s operations in the region.

Greek Authorities Investigate Possible Russian Intelligence Links

Greek authorities are now delving into the possibility that the suspect has connections with Russian intelligence, especially given his reported communications with a contact in Lithuania. This has added a layer of complexity to the case, as investigators seek to determine whether the footage could have been intended for Russian operatives.

State television confirmed that the suspect holds Greek citizenship but was born in Georgia, raising questions about his background and potential motivations. Alexandroupolis port is a crucial location for NATO’s operations in Eastern Europe, making any espionage activity there a serious concern for national security.

Suspect Denies Charges in Preliminary Hearing

On Friday, the suspect appeared before a magistrate in Alexandroupolis for a preliminary hearing, escorted by police officers. In court, he denied all accusations and insisted that he never transmitted any confidential or sensitive material. His lawyer added that similar footage of the port had already been published in the media, suggesting that there was no breach of national security.

Despite his denials, judicial authorities have ordered that the suspect remain in detention pending trial. As of now, a trial date has not been set, and further investigations are underway. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity to the public, citing privacy concerns.

Potential Implications for NATO and Regional Security

The arrest raises serious concerns about espionage and the security of military operations in the region. Alexandroupolis port has been crucial for NATO’s logistical operations in Eastern Europe, and any breach of security could have far-reaching consequences. The involvement of potential Russian intelligence agents further complicates the situation, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions between NATO and Russia.

The Greek authorities’ investigation continues as they gather more evidence to assess the full extent of the suspected espionage activity. For now, the suspect remains in custody as the judicial process moves forward.

Global Reactions and Continued Scrutiny of Espionage Risks

The case has drawn attention from both local and international media, with many speculating about the broader implications of espionage at NATO facilities. If links to Russian intelligence are confirmed, this could signal a larger trend of cyber and physical espionage targeting NATO assets across Europe.

As Greece continues to scrutinize this incident, the arrest highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities facing NATO’s infrastructure and the rising risks of espionage amid the current geopolitical climate.

As investigations continue, the case involving the 59-year-old Greek man underscores the complex nature of modern espionage and the importance of safeguarding sensitive military operations. While the suspect denies the charges, Greek authorities remain focused on uncovering the truth behind the footage filmed at Alexandroupolis port.