The GEK TERNA Group has put into trial operation Greece’s first ultra-modern mobile X-ray machine for digital inspection and recording of cargo truck and container contents passing through the country’s land and port entry and exit points. This pioneering equipment, to be used by the Customs Authority of AADE, was presented yesterday at a special event at the Piraeus Port Authority, attended by US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, AADE Governor Georgios Pitsilis, Information Society CEO Stavros Asthenidis, and GEK TERNA General Manager of Business Development Emmanuel Moustakas.
Emmanuel Moustakas: Will immediately join AADE’s “arsenal”
Mr. Moustakas, at the event’s opening, stated: “The first ultra-modern mobile X-ray machine will immediately join AADE’s “arsenal” against smuggling and cross-border crime. The GEK TERNA Group, through the broader project it implements for the Customs Service, contributes practically to the digital transformation of our ports“.
Kimberly Guilfoyle: These solutions fortify Greece’s entry points
Ms. Guilfoyle emphasized: “Border protection is a fundamental priority and requires reliable equipment. The delivery of this new American technology system substantially enhances border security and is part of the Greece-US strategic cooperation. Through innovative technologies like mobile scanning units, the fight against critical threats such as organized crime, terrorism, and smuggling is strengthened. These solutions fortify Greece’s entry points and, by extension, Europe’s, confirming our shared commitment to security, stability, and cooperation“.
Georgios Pitsilis: Fortifying borders and ports with modern technologies
Mr. Pitsilis emphasized the importance of fortifying borders and ports with modern technologies that strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in close cooperation with international partners.
Stavros Asthenidis: One of the Greek government’s most important strategic projects
Mr. Asthenidis stated: “This is one of the Greek government’s most important strategic projects addressing critical challenges like smuggling, substantially strengthening control mechanisms. Through close cooperation with AADE, the project progresses according to schedule toward completion“.
How the mobile X-ray system operates
During the event, the vehicle’s operation was demonstrated: operators, using radiographic technology, can create three-dimensional images of truck and container contents passing through land borders, ports, and major transportation hubs.
The mobile X-ray machine enables complete and reliable cargo inspection without requiring unsealing or unloading, ensuring uninterrupted goods flow. It’s part of the broader digital transformation project for tax and customs authorities, undertaken and implemented by the GEK TERNA Group following an international tender by the Information Society. This project includes installing specialized equipment (passage barriers, automatic license plate recognition cameras, etc.) and developing an integrated digital system for managing and monitoring vehicle and container movement. Its implementation is expected to contribute decisively to preventing and suppressing smuggling in critical sectors such as petroleum products, tobacco, coffee, and alcoholic beverages, as well as combating drug trafficking.
