Espionage case: 'I was threatened. I did not know I was giving information to any state'
A Greek Air Force officer accused of spying for China expresses remorse and claims he was unaware of his actions during a marathon confession.
A 54-year-old Air Force colonel in Greece has been charged with espionage in favor of China, and in a lengthy statement, he expresses regret for his actions while claiming he did not knowingly provide information to a foreign state. This admission comes after a prolonged interrogation and his subsequent detention. The officer describes the predicament as one he could not manage and asks for a fair punishment, rather than attempting to excuse his behavior or defend himself against the charges.
During his statement, the colonel emphasized that his involvement in this espionage case was accidental and without intention, describing the situation as having escalated into a dangerous, illegal nightmare. He has pledged full cooperation with both the military and judicial authorities in their investigations, hoping to aid in uncovering the truth behind the allegations. His statements reflect a sense of confusion and desperation about his circumstances, as he explicitly states that he never intended to betray his country.
The case raises significant concerns about national security and the vulnerability of military personnel to espionage tactics, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical tensions between Greece, China, and other nations. The officer's plea for forgiveness from both his homeland and the armed forces implies a deeper crisis within the military regarding how personnel might inadvertently become involved in espionage activities.