Special services are trying to gain control over espionage activities to prevent the nightmare of terrorism in our country and by extension in Europe under orders from foreign centers. The National Intelligence Service and Counter-Terrorism Service, in cooperation with other police and coast guard units, continuously monitor registered suspects with ties to Iran as well as other suspects, spies-terrorists, who could be activated at any moment.
Chrysochoidis: “There are suspects, but the danger lies in orders from abroad”
“We protect our borders, we proceed with guarding targets within the country that are very sensitive. There are some suspects who are being monitored. They are registered, monitored and in any case I believe they are not the danger. The issue is whether there will be orders from some source, for things that can cause enormous problems in Europe and then it really is a nightmare,” said Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis speaking to Sky, adding that because “Greece touches the first circle of the war zone, dangers exist potentially both in Greece and throughout Europe. The basic issue is border protection. From the moment the entire region is on fire, there will be an attempt to export the crisis through terrorism.”
Enhanced security measures at critical infrastructure
Embassies, businesses with Israeli and American interests, military installations throughout the country, ports, airports and Mass Transportation are under tight surveillance with 24-hour monitoring. Emphasis is placed on Crete and specifically the wider Souda area, due to its geographical position and the presence of American aircraft.
Intensive checks on migrants arriving in Greece
As EYP sources clarified, “migrants coming to our country recently are subject to thorough checks. Both those arriving in Crete from Libya and those who manage to enter one of the Eastern Aegean islands.” Although authorities know that about 3,000,000 migrants are waiting on Libya’s coasts for traffickers to transport them to Greece, Italy and Spain, currently there is no information about migration flows from Iran to Europe. “At this stage, no trace of movements is apparent, but no one knows what might happen in the future,” EYP officials with a clear picture of the migration issue told “Apogeumatini.” “Last year, some people acting on orders from those who appear to have been directed by Iran, attempted to carry out some small-scale actions. It appears these were directed actions by some who originated from Iran. Some Greeks and foreigners were used here, with the aim of creating problems for targets of interest to other countries. So we have evidence that some are being used to create problems,” said Mr. Chrysochoidis, citing as an example the involvement of a Muslim of Greek origin who was arrested a few months ago along with other individuals for sabotage of German frigates.
“A country like Greece, which borders the fire, must take every necessary measure against threats. Without panicking people, we have an obligation to build what is called security. Whatever is needed to inform citizens will be done. The most important thing is vigilance on a 24-hour basis, what kills is relaxation,” emphasized the Minister of Citizen Protection. Earlier this week, EYP police arrested a Georgian who was recording photos and videos with his mobile phone from the Souda unit and it is estimated that he was sending them via encrypted software to an unknown recipient in Iran. In the past year, authorities have additionally arrested two individuals for espionage cases being investigated for potential connections to Iranians or other countries.
Continuous communication between secret services of European Union and American countries
Secret services of European Union and American countries maintain continuous communication in an effort to identify suspects, exchange information about movements and persons of interest, as well as information from secret police groups or informants.
The 48-year-old from Africa who appeared yesterday afternoon at a GADA post on Alexandras Avenue, threatening to kill police officers, was carrying two hand grenades. The man was arrested while a controlled explosion was carried out for the explosives.
By Giorgos Sompolos, Published in Apogeumatini
