The Greek government is seeking closer cooperation with the FBI, the top counterterrorism, counterintelligence and criminal investigation service of the United States, as emphasized by Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis to Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel. The meeting took place at the FBI headquarters and it was officially announced that the discussions focused on addressing security challenges, hybrid threats, and migration.
Read: Gerapetritis meeting with FBI director – What was the agenda, Kimberly Guilfoyle “present”
However, given that US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle was also present, this was not a typical meeting that is usually part of the Greek diplomatic chief’s visit to Washington, but extended to high-level issues. It is said that one of the discussion topics was Trump’s upcoming visit to Athens, likely in early July. Patel was appointed to this position a year ago and wants to have absolute control over the American president’s protection, which is why he takes care to have personal contacts with key people in the countries Donald Trump visits.
Already, cooperation between Greece and the FBI is in a particularly active phase, focusing on combating organized crime, cybercrime, and international judicial assistance. Since October 2024, when Greece established the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime (DAOE), known as the “Greek FBI,” this relationship has been further strengthened, focusing on fighting organized crime. The “Greek FBI,” in cooperation with international organizations and the FBI, has achieved significant successes, as within its first year of operation it dismantled 139 criminal organizations, with activities including drug trafficking, smuggling, and fraud.
Cooperation
Regarding cybercrime, the Greek Police (Electronic Crime Division) works closely with the FBI and Europol, with Greece participating in January 2025 in an international operation that dismantled two of the world’s largest cybercrime forums. Particularly important is the technical support and training provided by the Americans. Specifically, the FBI provides expertise to the Greek Police for managing complex cases, analyzing digital data, and combating money laundering.
It’s worth noting that further strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the FBI on matters of mutual interest was also the focus of the meeting in Athens between Justice Minister Georgios Floridis and Deputy Minister Ioannis Bougas with FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey, in the presence of his associates and representatives from the United States Embassy in Greece.
Published in Apogeumatini
