Greek air force officer arrested on suspicion of spying for China

"The 54-year-old faces a life sentence if found guilty of charges that include transmitting top secret information of a military nature to China. He was described as having access to sensitive military information, including armed forces technologies under development, and is believed to have been recruited by Beijing last year. Greek media reports said he had admitted to photographing and transmitting classified Nato documents using specialised encryption software provided by Chinese intelligence."

"He allegedly received tradecraft training in China during an undeclared trip to the country that military sources claimed had ultimately also exposed him. In a statement made by his lawyer following the court appearance, Flessas said: Unknowingly and without intent, I became involved in something that developed in a way that became nightmarish, dangerous and illegal. In my testimony I did not try to justify myself or, in reality, even defend myself [...] I ask to be punished with a fair punishment."

"Greek authorities were reportedly tipped off by the CIA about the extent of the leak and in a highly unusual statement after Flessas's arrest on 5 February, the Greek general staff said there was clear evidence of criminal offences under the military penal code. Chinese operatives are thought to have initially approached their target online before recruiting him at a Nato conference in an unidentified European country. Flessas has been cited saying he was lured with promises of financial rewards made in foreign currencies and digital payments of between 5,000 and"

A Greek air force squadron leader, Col Christos Flessas, has been arrested and detained pending trial on suspicion of spying for China. The 54-year-old faces charges including transmitting top secret military information and could receive a life sentence if convicted. He is described as having access to sensitive information and armed forces technologies under development and is believed to have been recruited by Beijing. Greek media reported he admitted photographing and transmitting classified Nato documents using specialised encryption software supplied by Chinese intelligence. He allegedly received tradecraft training in China during an undeclared trip. Greek authorities were reportedly tipped off by the CIA.

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