Suspected Russian Espionage in Greece: Spy Told to Pose as Hiker; Alleged Handler Detained in Lithuania

Reports from Greek news outlet Newsit.gr detail emerging facets of a suspected Russian espionage operation targeting the strategic Greek port city of Alexandroupoli. Following the arrest of a 59-year-old Greek national accused of spying, allegedly for Moscow, the military intelligence service GRU, revelations indicate his handler provided specific instructions to avoid detection: "Wear sports clothes, take a stick with you, so it looks like you are going hiking." This detail sheds light on the operational methods used. In a potentially related international development, also covered by the outlet, Lithuanian authorities have detained a man believed by investigators to be the recruiter who tasked the alleged spy operating in Greece.

Authorities apprehended the 59-year-old Greek suspect, who was suspected of gathering sensitive information within Alexandroupoli. The city's significance, key port infrastructure used by NATO allies, and proximity to Turkey make it a prime target for intelligence gathering, particularly by nations like Russia seeking insight into regional military and logistical movements. The alleged instruction to pose as a hiker suggests an attempt to conduct surveillance near sensitive areas without raising alarms, allowing observation under a seemingly innocuous guise.

The arrest in Lithuania marks a significant turn, potentially linking the handler directly to the operative on the ground. Greek intelligence services are working to confirm if the individual detained in Lithuania is indeed the figure who recruited and directed the 59-year-old accused of spying for Russian interests. Confirmation would point towards a coordinated, cross-border intelligence effort against Greece.