Bulgarian man held for espionage in Thessaloniki released with travel ban after drone flight near former base

Citizen tip leads to arrest

On the evening of Saturday, 13 June, a resident of eastern Thessaloniki reported a man flying a drone in the area. Officers from the DIAS rapid-response unit located the 35-year-old Bulgarian and found he lacked the required operator's license. A search of his vehicle uncovered the drone, and examination of its memory revealed a thermal photograph of the former Farmakis military camp in the coastal suburb of Kalamaria.

Espionage charge and EYP involvement

The Thessaloniki Security Police arrested the man that night. A felony espionage case was filed, and the National Intelligence Service (EYP) joined the investigation because the drone flight occurred near an EYP facility in the city. The suspect was brought before an investigating judge and a prosecutor.

Suspect's defense

During his testimony on Monday, 15 June, the Bulgarian stated that the thermal image was blurry and captured by accident while he was testing a newly acquired drone. He said he had lived in Thessaloniki for several years, worked as a freelancer, and was unaware the area contained former military structures. He admitted to flying without a license.

Release with conditions

After the deposition, the judge and prosecutor ordered the man's release but imposed two restrictions: he must report to a police station at regular intervals and is barred from leaving Greece. The felony charge remains pending and the investigation continues.

Next steps

Authorities will continue examining the drone's data and the suspect's background. No trial date has been set. Espionage convictions in Greece can carry severe penalties, but the case remains in its preliminary phase.