Over the past 24 hours, Greek law enforcement authorities have been unraveling the web of espionage in Alexandroupolis. The arrest of a 59-year-old ethnic Greek from Georgia, who is a permanent resident of the city, triggered a deep investigation into the possible existence of an extensive network aiming to gather critical information about key military infrastructure in the border region of Evros. The situation has set off alarm bells in Athens. The revelation of the true role of the “house painter-spy” was no coincidence; it was the result of close cooperation between the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which has a strong presence and heightened alertness in the area for the past two years.

The increased interest in Evros stems from the geopolitical significance the port of Alexandroupolis has acquired in recent years. Beyond its role as a transport hub, it has become a key entry point for military equipment heading to allied forces, ultimately supporting the front in Ukraine. For the permanent residents of Evros, the arrival of military transport ships at the port and the movement of supplies via road and rail has become part of daily life. At the same time, this has been seen as a developmental and investment opportunity for the broader region.

Geopolitical Tensions

However, Alexandroupolis’ upgraded role—integrated into the strategic presence of U.S. forces in Southeastern Europe—has significantly troubled Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously expressed strong displeasure over “the matter of Alexandroupolis,” stating that “the establishment of a base there seriously disturbs us and our people.” Similarly, Russia is far from pleased with the support being provided to allied forces through Evros, especially as the war in Ukraine reaches a critical phase concerning the resilience of both sides in the territories they control. This is particularly sensitive given Russia’s ongoing logistical problems, which have hindered its military forces despite their numerical superiority.

For these reasons, “there is intense vigilance,” explain well-informed sources, referring to the Greek authorities’ oversight in the broader region in recent years. Alert levels remain high to preempt activities of Turkish, Russian, or other interests focused on the capital of the Evros region. This also explains why a team from Greek law enforcement was urgently dispatched from Athens to Alexandroupoli when Lithuanian authorities reported that a criminal named “Vicentios,” arrested there for espionage, had an accomplice operating on Greek soil.

The “Vicentios” Case

The arrested individual, reportedly a criminal, had connections in the Evosmos area of western Thessaloniki and is believed to have lived in Greece for around six months. According to Greek authorities, that’s roughly the time frame during which the 59-year-old ethnic Greek was recruited by “Vicentios.” Reports suggest that Vicentios traveled to Alexandroupolis to meet the 59-year-old in person and gave him camouflage instructions to avoid drawing attention.

Despite his clandestine mission, the 59-year-old man, a low-profile figure known locally for his work as a painter and builder, did not arouse suspicion. He was primarily employed by a technical company in the city. He worked mainly in Alexandroupolis, which has a sizable community of ethnic Greeks from the former Soviet Union who settled in the region in the 1990s with state assistance for permanent housing. Married with two children, the man had previously served in the Russian military in Siberia. He reportedly viewed his espionage as a duty to “Mother Russia,” photographing military activity in the area in the process.

Although the audiovisual material allegedly found in his possession does not appear to include footage of Greek military units, authorities have intensified investigations due to the fact that his son is reportedly a permanent member of the Greek Armed Forces (a professional infantry soldier, EPOP) stationed in the area and currently on parental leave. Sources stress that the son has not raised any concerns within his military unit. Nevertheless, Greek authorities conducted thorough searches of the man’s residence and a warehouse he had access to, looking for military or other types of equipment.

In this context, the 59-year-old was found in possession of a single bullet, leading to charges of illegal possession of ammunition, in addition to facing espionage charges during peacetime. He is reported to have admitted to the authorities that he had sent material to his “recruiter” at least twice, the most recent instance occurring about a month ago.

According to sources, the man was acting under instructions from his recruiter, who is believed to be collaborating with the Russian intelligence service, guiding his “observer” in Alexandroupolis. Specifically, the ethnic Greek from Georgia had even sought technical advice from his criminal contact, asking, “How can I go take photos without being noticed?” In response, the recruiter, “Vicentios,” allegedly told him, “Wear athletic clothes, dress accordingly, and carry a stick so it looks like you’re hiking—for camouflage,” in order to avoid drawing suspicion.

Loyalty to Russia

Money, it seems, was not the 59-year-old’s motivation—despite his recruiter offering to compensate him financially for his services. Instead, he reportedly told Greek authorities that his actions were driven by loyalty to Russia. It’s no secret that Moscow actively seeks to “utilize” individuals with pro-Russian sentiment to expand its global intelligence-gathering network. In this context, individuals with criminal backgrounds are also used—such as the recruiter, who is allegedly involved in a criminal organization based in Eastern Europe engaged in drug and arms trafficking, as well as contract killings.

With this kind of “background,” the criminal recruiter reportedly asked the 59-year-old to work for the Russian service. The “house painter” then operated with relative ease for over six months, allegedly recording and photographing military material in the greater Alexandroupolis area and forwarding it to his contact via online applications—raising the likelihood of a broader, organized espionage network with links across the Balkans.

The suspect’s mobile phone is now one of the key pieces of evidence and is being thoroughly examined by the Hellenic Police forensic laboratories. A major concern is whether he recorded Greek military camps or NATO equipment storage facilities in the Evros region, although the man has claimed he only documented the transport route of military equipment from the Alexandroupolis port heading north, i.e., toward Bulgaria.

Almost a Surveillance Post

The transport of military supplies to Ukraine via Alexandroupolis, as well as the presence of American forces and equipment in the region, has become a target of interest for various foreign intelligence services—reaching even into real estate dealings.

According to sources from “THEMA,” a planned sale of a central hotel in Alexandroupolis—located at a highly strategic vantage point—was halted at the last moment. It all began when a foreign company showed keen interest in acquiring the prominent property, despite its steep price. As the deal neared completion, the realization that the hotel offered full visual access to the port led to a sudden reversal of plans.

The sale was called off just in time, as the hotel’s rooftop allowed an unobstructed view not only of the Thracian Sea but also of military equipment movements—raising concerns among the local population and beyond regarding the security of military transport through the city’s port and rail network.

Moreover, the urgent warning from Alexandroupolis Mayor Giannis Zampoukis about the “silent colonization” of Evros, and a parliamentary question from 11 MPs of the ruling New Democracy party regarding foreign real estate activity in Thrace, appear to have mobilized the government. Reports suggest that authorities are moving quickly to record property ownerships, and a legislative intervention is already being prepared. The law aims to introduce safeguards regarding the nationality of potential buyers, distinguishing between those with EU and non-EU passports.