Greek Air Force Colonel Arrested for Espionage Linked to China

Christos Flessas, a 54-year-old colonel in the Greek Air Force, has been arrested on charges of espionage for allegedly leaking classified NATO military plans to Chinese intelligence in exchange for financial compensation. His arrest occurred on February 5, 2024, at a military base in Kavouri, Patras, where he led the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Squadron. If convicted, Flessas faces a life sentence. The Greek National Intelligence Service reportedly spent four months investigating him after receiving a tip from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.

NewsweekGreek Air Force Colonel arrested for spying for China

Flessas had access to sensitive information regarding the movements of Greek, American, and NATO aircraft, including operations involving MQ-9 Reaper drones stationed at the Larissa air base. He allegedly received a device to photograph, encrypt, and transmit classified data to contacts in Beijing, with payments reaching up to $17,500 per message.

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Flessas's recruitment is believed to have begun with a male handler who contacted him via LinkedIn. Their first meeting reportedly took place at a NATO conference in Europe. Following this, Flessas was coerced into espionage during a sanctioned trip to China in 2024, where he claims he was pressured to provide sensitive information under threats to his family.

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The case highlights a broader trend of espionage activities linked to China across Europe, with Norway's intelligence service previously warning about China's extensive spy network operating within the continent.

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Flessas's lawyer, Vassilis Cheirdaris, stated that his client initially thought he was cooperating with a private company and later felt trapped by foreign intelligence services. In court, Flessas expressed remorse, stating, “Unknowingly and without intent, I became involved in something that developed in a way that became nightmarish, dangerous and illegal.” The Greek armed forces have suspended him for 18 months pending trial, asserting that there is "clear evidence" of his offenses.

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Laura Harth, director of China in the World at the Safeguard Defenders nonprofit, commented on the incident, emphasizing that the Chinese Communist Party's intelligence-gathering efforts are pervasive and deeply integrated into various sectors globally.

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Critics of the incident argue that it underscores vulnerabilities within NATO's military personnel to manipulation by foreign intelligence services. Nicholas Eftimiades, a retired U.S. intelligence officer, remarked on the significance of the case, stating, “[It’s] significant because it shows China’s desire and ability to penetrate the military communications infrastructure of Greece and other NATO members.”

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The espionage case has the potential to strain Greece's generally positive relations with China, as public opinion polls often reflect more favorable views of China compared to the United States. Flessas reportedly named his handler during an eight-hour hearing, although the identity provided is likely an alias. If convicted, he may face imprisonment in a military detention facility in Corinth.

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While Flessas has confessed to the charges, he maintains that he was coerced into espionage. The extent of the damage caused to national security is still under investigation, and the Greek authorities are conducting additional security checks among senior officers with access to strategic NATO data.

Greek Air Force Colonel arrested for spying for China