UPDATE: Greece arrests military officer over suspicion of leaking critical info to China

UPDATED WITH FURTHER DETAILS, CHANGED HEADLINE

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – A Greek military officer was arrested on suspicion of leaking classified information to China via encrypted software, local media reported on Thursday.

The suspect, who is believed to have come from an Air Force unit and served in a staff position overseeing communications and electronic systems, is also alleged to have tried to recruit others into an espionage network, according to the daily Kathimerini.

The male officer had been under surveillance by Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) for several months prior to his arrest, said the daily.

According to the daily, authorities moved in after detecting a significant escalation in his activities, including an increase in the volume of information he disclosed and approaching fellow service members to gain access to sensitive material.

Military sources have described the case as constituting a major threat to Greece’s national defense and NATO security, it added.