Man with Polish passport arrested in Greece after taking 5,000 photos of NATO base
Man with Polish passport arrested in Greece after taking 5,000 photos of NATO base (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
In Greece, law enforcement officers detained a man on suspicion of espionage and photographing the Souda Naval Base on the island of Crete, according to eKathimerini.
According to media reports, the 26-year-old man was detained during a joint operation by the National Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Hellenic Police. The suspect is reported to have been born in Azerbaijan but holds a Polish passport.
Greek authorities found that the man checked into a hotel on June 18, specifically requesting a room with a view of Souda Bay. He paid for a full month in advance, but remained in his room almost constantly and rarely, if ever, left it.
Digital evidence retrieved from his camera and laptop contained around 5,000 files with images of ships entering and leaving the base.
Sources say the man is not cooperating with the investigation.
About the Souda Naval Base
The Souda Naval Base is located on the northern coast of Crete, near the bay of the same name. It is one of NATO's key strategic assets in the Mediterranean region.
The base is operated by the Hellenic Navy and is also used by US and NATO forces for logistical and operational purposes. Its geographical location allows for control over vital maritime routes between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Souda Base features a deep-water port capable of accommodating large warships, as well as a runway and airfield. US aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines frequently dock there.
The facility plays a crucial role in supporting US and NATO operations in the region, particularly in monitoring activity in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa. Due to its strategic importance, the base is closely watched by both NATO partners and potential adversaries.
Russian provocations in Europe
Russia continues to recruit foreign mercenaries to fight in its war against Ukraine. From April 2023 to the end of May 2024, more than 1,500 foreigners were recruited in Moscow.
Russia is also ramping up its hybrid attacks against the Netherlands and other European allies, contributing to an ongoing "grey zone" conflict — somewhere between war and peace.
In addition, Austria recently uncovered a Russian spy network involved in disinformation efforts aimed at discrediting Ukraine.
