World

• Remand in Custody: Authorities have proceeded with the pretrial detention of the Air Force Colonel accused of spying for China.

• Marathon Testimony: The defendant testified for over 8 hours at the Athens Military Court regarding his contacts and the handling of military information.

• The LinkedIn Trap: He claimed the initial approach was made via LinkedIn by a Malaysian company presenting itself as a consulting firm.

• Blackmail: He reportedly stated that he was deceived and faced unbearable pressure, ultimately asking for his own conviction.

• Investigation: The investigation continues to determine the full extent of the transmitted information and the circumstances of the case.

By:Christin Papas

The Air Force Colonel accused of spying for China has been remanded in custody following an extensive testimony at the Athens Military Court. The defendant testified for more than 8 hours, with the proceedings beginning early this morning (Feb 10).

During questioning, authorities focused on the contacts he allegedly maintained, as well as the management of sensitive military information that had come into his possession due to his rank and position.

The Colonel, who has confessed to the act of espionage, claimed that the first approach occurred through the professional platform LinkedIn, when—as he stated—unknown individuals identified his resume and contacted him to propose a collaboration.

The "Malaysian" Front and the Involvement of "Steven"

According to his claims, the contact was not made directly from China but by a company based in Malaysia, which presented itself as a private provider of consulting services to Asian countries, including China. The officer believed this was an opportunity for professional placement following his retirement from the military.

Subsequently, as the report indicates, those who approached him began requesting increasingly classified files and information. This is where "Steven", the Chinese handler with the Americanized name, reportedly took over the direction of the Colonel’s activities.

A trip to China took place, and "Steven" also met the Colonel in Athens, where he provided him with codes for a crypto wallet. This digital wallet was used for the payment of monetary sums. From that point on, requirements for classified documents escalated, and as the officer provided more information, the payments increased accordingly.

"By the Time I Realized, It Was Too Late – The Blackmail Began"

The defendant argued before the investigator that by the time he understood the handler was directly linked to Chinese state services, it was too late to withdraw. As he describes, threats and blackmail against him began at that point.

He had already provided information and defense plans which, according to his claims, did not directly involve Greece but third countries. His goal, he repeats, was to secure a good job for his future. However, the handlers allegedly made it clear that they "knew everything" about his family and his place of residence, forcing him to continue his actions.

Spy Colonel: "I Apologize to My Country"

The defendant's lawyer, Vassilis Heirdaris, read a written statement in which the officer accepts full responsibility for his actions without seeking excuses:

"Unknowingly and without intent, I initially became involved in something that evolved in a threatening, dangerous, and illegal manner. With my testimony, I did not attempt to justify myself, nor even to defend myself. I placed myself from the very beginning at the disposal of my service and justice, with the sole aim of facilitating their work in the search for the truth... I sincerely apologize to my country, the Armed Forces, my colleagues, and my family. Having absolute confidence in military justice, I ask to be punished with a fair and reasonable sentence."

Lawyer of the 54-year-old: "He Was Forced to Participate in a Process He Did Not Want"

In statements following the conclusion of the proceedings, his lawyer mentioned that the decision for pretrial detention was accepted by his client, who feels relieved by his arrest.

"The client's request was to be remanded in custody, and his pretrial detention was ordered. He has admitted the facts without exaggeration. He initially believed he was dealing with a private company seeking investments until he went to China. There, things changed and they pressured him unbearably. He was forced by fear, because they told him 'we know your family, we know where you live, and we know what your job is,'" noted Mr. Heirdaris.

This case carries not only criminal but also administrative dimensions that could prove catastrophic for the 54-year-old. According to the recent law regarding the "New Map of the Armed Forces," an extremely strict framework is provided for those convicted of crimes against national security.

Specifically, the article of the law provides even for the revocation of Greek citizenship in the event of a final conviction for espionage. This means the Colonel, beyond his prison sentence, risks permanently losing his status as a Greek citizen—a sanction reflecting the gravity of the betrayal of his oath.

The investigation remains in full swing as authorities examine whether there were other accomplices involved or if critical Air Force systems have been compromised by the leak of these specific files.