Greek Air Force Officer Arrested for Espionage Linked to China

A senior officer of the Hellenic Air Force, identified as Colonel Christos Flessas, has been arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly transmitting classified military information to Chinese intelligence. The 54-year-old officer, who had access to sensitive military data, was detained on February 5, 2026, after a lengthy testimony before a military judge. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including a potential life sentence.

Greek air force officer detained for spying, with China named by media

Flessas reportedly began his espionage activities after being approached online by a Chinese operative, who initially contacted him through LinkedIn. This recruitment occurred during a private trip to Beijing in 2024, where he met his handler, who introduced himself as "Steven." Investigators believe that Flessas was lured by promises of financial rewards, receiving payments ranging from €5,000 to €15,000 for each transmission of classified information. His activities reportedly escalated from providing general international analysis to sharing highly sensitive military documents.

The Guardian

The investigation has revealed a broader espionage network, with authorities suspecting additional individuals may be involved, including two retired officers and a woman identified as a key figure in the operation. This woman, who has no military background, is believed to have played a significant role in recruiting Flessas and facilitating his meetings with the Chinese handler. Investigators are examining whether she was the initial contact that led to Flessas's recruitment.

Chinese Handler Recruited Greek Air Force Officer To Spy

Flessas allegedly used an illegal mobile phone equipped with encrypted software to communicate with his handler and transmit classified documents. The Cyber Crime Division of Greece is conducting a forensic examination of the seized devices, which include a laptop and USB drives, to assess the extent of the information leak.

Chinese Handler Recruited Greek Air Force Officer To Spy

The Greek military has publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating there is "clear evidence of criminal acts" under the military penal code. Nicholas Eftimiades, a retired U.S. intelligence officer, emphasized the implications of the case, noting it highlights China's capability to infiltrate military communications within NATO countries. He remarked, "Nations spy against other militaries to give them an advantage in war."

The Guardian

Experts have raised concerns about the vulnerabilities of Western democracies to espionage, particularly from China. Eftimiades noted that the Chinese approach to espionage is unique, involving a "whole of society" strategy that exploits the openness of democratic systems. This incident has prompted discussions about the need for enhanced security measures within NATO and the Greek military.

The Guardian

While the investigation is ongoing, there are discrepancies regarding the full extent of the information compromised and the potential involvement of other military officials. Some reports suggest that Flessas may have had access to top-level NATO secrets, while military sources indicate that he was not privy to the most sensitive information.

The Guardian

Flessas remains in custody and is expected to appear before a military prosecutor for further questioning. Authorities are continuing to investigate the espionage network, focusing on the financial transactions linked to Flessas and the identities of his accomplices. The case is seen as a significant wake-up call for Greece and its allies regarding the threats posed by foreign espionage activities.

The Guardian