Spying for China: Colonel Involved in Patriot Modernization Detained in Greece

A 54-year-old Greek Air Force colonel has been arrested for spying for China. The spy was considered one of Greece’s top experts on electronic systems, having participated in the modernization of Patriot systems and the development of reconnaissance aircraft.

This was reported by the Greek publication Star.

According to the publication, the 54-year-old officer was not a ‘random’ person in the Air Force — he had 35 years of service and was considered one of the most qualified specialists in the field of communications, electronic systems, and cybersecurity.

In addition, the spy held important positions in the General Staff and worked for a decade as a NATO-accredited communications and reconnaissance systems specialist. As part of these tasks, he surveyed military bases in Greece and Europe, assessing radars, air defense networks, and critical infrastructure.

He was also reportedly involved in the development of software for radar reconnaissance aircraft and participated in the modernization of Patriot systems. In addition, he specialized in encrypted communications and had access to highly sensitive data.

In July 2024, he became commander of the 128th Telecommunications and Electronics Training Group (SETI) in Kavouri, Attica, where he was arrested.

Espionage for China

According to the publication, the traitor was likely recruited in 2024. At that time, he began to actively promote his resume on social media, especially on LinkedIn.

During this period, he is believed to have established online contact with the representatives of Chinese companies on issues of geostrategic policy. He allegedly met with Chinese agents at a NATO conference in one of the European countries.

After that, he traveled to China on his own initiative under the pretext of studying the language. There, he was allegedly taught how to use special software and communication techniques, which, according to the case materials, ‘cemented’ his subordination to Chinese intelligence.

Upon returning to Greece, he began photographing classified documents and sending them to China via a special encrypted device provided to him by Chinese agents.

During the trial, the colonel confessed to passing information to China for remuneration and named his Chinese recruiter. He reportedly told intelligence and counterintelligence officials (EYP) during questioning that he had passed secret information to China for financial gain.

According to the publication, the investigation was prompted by information from the CIA, which informed the EYP about the Greek officer’s possible espionage activities on behalf of a ‘foreign superpower.’ Since 2025, the colonel had been monitored by the EYP and the Cyber Security Directorate of the Greek National Defense General Staff.

The arrest was carried out in strict secrecy to ensure the element of surprise: on the territory of the 128th unit, in the presence of a prosecutor, by a group from the EYP and the Directorate of Cybersecurity. Counterintelligence is currently investigating whether the name of the ‘Chinese general’ given by the officer is real, as well as searching for other individuals who were recruited in Greece, believed to be at least two.

If found guilty of spying for China, the traitor could face life imprisonment. In addition, according to recent changes in legislation, there is a possibility of deprivation of Greek citizenship.