Espionage Arrests Stir Global Tensions: Greek Police Nab Azeri in Crete

Greek police arrested a 26-year-old Azeri man on Crete, suspected of espionage at a NATO base. Found in his hotel were over 5,000 photographs and encryption software. He refused to provide fingerprints after his arrest. The investigation examines ties to a recent Cyprus incident involving terrorism allegations.

Greek authorities have made a significant arrest on the island of Crete, detaining a 26-year-old Azeri man suspected of espionage. The arrest was made based on intelligence from Greece's security service.

The man is suspected of surveilling the strategically critical NATO base located in Souda Bay, a facility vital to Greece, the United States, and NATO operations in the eastern Mediterranean. Authorities are investigating potential links between this case and the recent arrest of a British national in Cyprus on terrorism charges.

Upon searching the suspect's hotel room near the military base, police confiscated a laptop containing over 5,000 photographs and encryption software. Charged with espionage and disobedience, he is set to face the charges on Wednesday. His refusal to provide fingerprints added another layer to the unfolding judicial process.

(With inputs from agencies.)