Russians – Turks – Balkans: The triangle of spies in Evros and “Mother Russia” in the middle

In the last 24 hours, Greek law enforcement has been probing a complex espionage case in Alexandroupoli. The arrest of a 59-year-old ethnic Greek from Georgia, who is a city resident, sparked a thorough investigation into a potential network seeking vital information on military infrastructure in the border area of Evros. This situation has raised significant alarms in Athens. The unearthing of the “house painter-spy’s” true role was no accident; it came through substantial collaboration between the Hellenic Police (EL.AS.) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which has maintained heightened vigilance in the region for the past two years.

The heightened focus on Evros is linked to the geopolitical importance that the port of Alexandroupolis has gained in recent years. Beyond acting as a transport hub, it has emerged as a crucial entry point for military supplies to allied forces, thereby supporting operations in Ukraine. For the residents of Evros, the arrival of military transport vessels at the port and the subsequent movement of supplies has become a part of everyday life. Concurrently, this development has been perceived as an opportunity for growth and investment in the broader region.

Geopolitical Tensions

However, the enhanced role of Alexandroupolis within the strategic framework of U.S. forces in Southeastern Europe has ignited concerns in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously voiced strong objections regarding the situation in Alexandroupolis, asserting that “the establishment of a base there seriously disturbs us and our people.” Similarly, Russia is also dissatisfied with the support being funneled to allied forces via Evros, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, putting pressure on both sides controlling various territories. This is especially sensitive in light of Russia’s ongoing logistical challenges, which have hampered its military capabilities despite their numerical advantages.

For these reasons, sources indicate that “there is intense vigilance” among Greek authorities regarding activities in the surrounding area. Alert levels are high in order to preempt any actions from Turkish, Russian, or other foreign entities focusing on the Evros region. This urgency explains why a team from Greek law enforcement was dispatched from Athens to Alexandroupolis after Lithuanian authorities reported that an individual named “Vicentios,” arrested for espionage, had an accomplice operating within Greece.

The “Vicentios” Case

The detained individual is said to have connections in the Evosmos area of Thessaloniki and is believed to have lived in Greece for about six months. Authorities suggest this is approximately the duration during which the 59-year-old ethnic Greek was recruited by “Vicentios.” Reports indicate that Vicentios traveled to Alexandroupolis for an in-person meeting, providing the man with camouflage tactics to avoid detection.

Despite his secretive activities, the 59-year-old, a low-profile local painter and builder, did not attract suspicion. He primarily worked for a technical company in Alexandroupolis, which has a significant community of ethnic Greeks from the former Soviet Union who relocated to the area in the 1990s with government assistance. A married father of two, he previously served in the Russian military in Siberia, reportedly viewing his espionage efforts as a duty to “Mother Russia” by documenting military activities in the vicinity.

While the audiovisual materials allegedly found in his possession do not seem to include recordings of Greek military units, investigations have intensified due to his son’s status as a permanent member of the Greek Armed Forces, currently on parental leave. Sources emphasize that the son has not raised concerns within his unit. Nonetheless, Greek authorities executed thorough searches of his home and a warehouse he had access to, seeking military or other kinds of equipment.

Within this context, the 59-year-old was found with a single bullet, leading to charges of illegal ammunition possession and espionage during peacetime. He has reportedly confessed to sending materials to his “recruiter” at least twice, the most recent occurrence about a month ago.

Sources suggest he acted under guidance from his recruiter, who is believed to be collaborating with the Russian intelligence service. Specifically, the ethnic Greek from Georgia sought tactical advice, asking, “How can I take photos without being noticed?” In response, Vicentios allegedly advised him: “Wear athletic clothing, blend in, and carry a stick to appear as if you’re hiking for camouflage,” to avoid suspicion.

Loyalty to Russia

Interestingly, it seems the 59-year-old’s motivation was not financial; despite his recruiter offering compensation, he reportedly told Greek authorities his actions were driven by loyalty to Russia. It is well-established that Moscow actively seeks to recruit individuals with pro-Russian sentiments to broaden its global intelligence network. In this context, individuals with criminal backgrounds, like the recruiter—allegedly involved in a criminal organization engaged in drug and arms trafficking and contract killings—are also utilized.

With such a “background,” the criminal recruiter urged the 59-year-old to work for Russian intelligence. Consequently, the “house painter” functioned relatively unobtrusively for over six months, allegedly capturing and documenting military assets in the Alexandroupolis region, forwarding the information via online applications—heightening concerns about a more extensive espionage network connected across the Balkans.

The suspect’s mobile phone has become a crucial piece of evidence and is currently under thorough examination by Hellenic Police forensic labs. A major concern is whether he recorded Greek military camps or NATO equipment storage in the Evros region, although the man claims he only tracked military transport routes from the Alexandroupolis port heading north toward Bulgaria.

Almost a Surveillance Post

The transport of military supplies to Ukraine through Alexandroupolis, alongside the presence of American forces and equipment in the area, has drawn the attention of various foreign intelligence agencies, extending even into real estate transactions.

According to sources from “THEMA,” a planned sale of a key hotel in Alexandroupolis—situated at a strategically advantageous location—was abruptly halted. The interest of a foreign firm in acquiring the prime property grew, but as the deal neared completion, it became evident that the hotel provided an unobstructed view of the port, leading to a swift reversal of the transaction.

This sale was called off just in time, as the hotel rooftop offered a clear sightline not only of the Thracian Sea but also of military equipment movements—raising concerns among locals and beyond regarding the security of military transport through the city’s port and rail network.

Furthermore, Alexandroupolis Mayor Giannis Zampoukis issued an urgent warning about the “silent colonization” of Evros, while a parliamentary question from 11 MPs of the ruling New Democracy party concerning foreign real estate activities in Thrace appears to have prompted governmental action. Reports suggest that authorities are moving swiftly to catalog property ownership and are preparing legislative changes aimed at ensuring safeguards regarding the nationality of potential buyers, differentiating between individuals with EU and non-EU passports.

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