Aleksandroupolis: Nighttime Surveillance of Military Installations by Russian Spy

Today (02.05.2025), a 59-year-old man is being led to the prosecutor after being arrested for videotaping military installations and transportation of military equipment in Aleksandroupolis. The case has raised eyebrows because Russia’s GRU required ground-level footage despite having satellites. The suspect transmitted the material through an encrypted app to his handler, also of Georgian origin, working for Russian intelligence. The handler, arrested in Lithuania, reportedly has a criminal background. GRU considers ground-level surveillance essential for mapping weaknesses, materials, and transport methods of these military assets, possibly for future sabotage operations. Similar activities have been reported in Bulgaria and Poland. Authorities discovered the spy’s activities only after recovering deleted footage using advanced analysis techniques, revealing months of covert operations. The suspect, posing as a painter to avoid suspicion, meticulously followed instructions from his handler, who was himself recruited by Russian military intelligence. Investigations revealed that the operation began at least six months ago, with detailed guidance on how to conduct surveillance without detection. This case is considered one of the most serious espionage incidents linked to Russia since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war.