Investigations by the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP) and the Counter-Terrorism Unit are ongoing following the arrest of a 37-year-old Palestinian in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, who is accused of participating in Hamas and conducting preparatory actions aimed at carrying out a terrorist attack against Israeli interests.
The 37-year-old, originally from the Gaza Strip, had been living in Crete for approximately two years, where he worked at a hotel and, according to sources, maintained a low profile. He had filed an asylum request after entering Greece through migration flows.
The intelligence from Cyprus
The case began to unravel following recent arrests of two Palestinians in Cyprus as part of an investigation into terrorist activity. According to sources, analysis of data and telecommunications evidence revealed contacts that led Cypriot and Greek services to the 37-year-old residing in Crete.
Greek authorities are examining his connections with the two arrested in Cyprus, while analyzing contacts, movements, and the communication network he allegedly maintained.
Operation ODIN and the findings
In an operation codenamed “Operation ODIN,” EYP and Counter-Terrorism units proceeded with the arrest of the 37-year-old at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos. Authorities conducted searches in spaces he used. According to sources, electronic devices, a laptop, data storage media, mobile phones, and other items were located and seized from an apartment in Patissia on Acharnon Street, which are being examined in forensic laboratories. Some of these findings relate to laboratory equipment suitable for manufacturing explosive devices.
Meanwhile, EYP and Counter-Terrorism specialists are analyzing the digital material seized, searching for contacts, encrypted communications, and evidence that could illuminate the scope of his activities.
Preparation stage
According to current information, the 37-year-old appears to have still been in a preparatory stage and participated in actions aimed at creating the necessary conditions for carrying out an attack on Israeli targets in a European country.
Authorities are examining the possibility that a probable target was an Israeli cruise ship scheduled to approach a Greek port in the coming days. However, so far there is no indication that the plan had moved from the preparation stage to the operational phase.
Investigation into his background
Meanwhile, Greek authorities are cooperating with foreign security services to fully investigate the 37-year-old’s background, his possible connections with Hamas officials, and his potential training in explosive use.
The arrested suspect is expected to be brought before the competent prosecutorial authorities, while the investigation continues to locate possible accomplices or other persons he had contacts with in Greece and abroad. Sources report that he is expected to appear before prosecutorial authorities in Crete today, followed tomorrow (8/6) by his transfer to GADA and from there to the courts at the former Military Academy.
What had happened in Cyprus
Since late May, one of the most serious terrorism cases in recent years in Cyprus has been under the microscope of Cypriot and international security services, following the arrest of four Palestinians and the discovery of large quantities of materials that can be used for manufacturing explosive devices.
The case, which is developing under heightened secrecy, began to be gradually revealed from late May, with authorities examining the possibility of planned attacks against Israeli targets in Cyprus.
The investigation thread appears to start on May 21, when Cypriot authorities discovered a large quantity of explosive manufacturing materials in a residence in the Governor’s Beach area, which allegedly connected to a 32-year-old Palestinian.
Two days later, on May 23, Cyprus Police announced the arrest of two persons aged 32 and 38, third-country nationals, against whom terrorism offenses and participation in a criminal organization were being investigated. The two suspects were brought before the Larnaca District Court, which issued an eight-day detention order.
From the first announcements, Cypriot authorities confirmed that objects that could be used for manufacturing explosive materials had been seized, while the investigation was conducted in cooperation with other state and international bodies.
Second hideout in Kamares
The investigations soon led to a second location of interest. In Kamares, Larnaca, a second large quantity of materials was located in an apartment where the 32-year-old suspect lived with his family.
According to information leaked from the investigation, among the seized materials was ammonium nitrate, a chemical substance that has been used in the past in improvised explosive devices of great power. Authorities are investigating whether the materials had been procured from the Cypriot market, while all evidence was sent for specialized laboratory examinations.
Investigators are also examining DNA traces and other forensic data to determine if more persons than those already arrested are involved in the case.
The confession that changed everything
On May 30, the case took on even greater dimensions, as it was revealed that arrests had increased to four. Two more Palestinians, who also lived in Larnaca province, were arrested and detained.
During the same period, information emerged that one of the arrested allegedly admitted during interrogation that the planning concerned Israeli targets. This alleged admission led the investigation in a new direction, with Cypriot services trying to ascertain where exactly the strikes could occur and who the probable targets would be. Meanwhile, authorities began examining whether the suspects had a broader support network in Cyprus or abroad.
The role of the four suspects
According to information from the investigation, the 32-year-old and 38-year-old are considered the main figures in the case. The 32-year-old is connected to both the residence at Governor’s Beach and the apartment in Kamares, where quantities of chemical substances and explosive manufacturing materials were found.
The 38-year-old also appears to be connected to the same findings. Cypriot authorities estimate he was residing illegally in the Republic of Cyprus and are examining the possibility he entered through the occupied territories.
The other two arrested, aged 54 and 57, are of particular interest. According to sources, they had been in Cyprus for many years and allegedly even secured Cypriot citizenship. Authorities are thoroughly examining their background, contacts, and activities to determine whether they had a support or coordination role.
Case with international implications
From the first moment, Cyprus Police spoke of cooperation with international security services. This fact, combined with the nature of the charges and the seized findings, shows that the case is being treated as a potential threat with cross-border characteristics.
Meanwhile, the investigations coincided chronologically with other cases related to Israeli targets in the broader region, which has increased the interest of foreign intelligence services.
