A covert operation by Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP), codenamed ‘Desert Scorpion’, is now active around all U.S. military installations in Greece—particularly following recent tensions in the Middle East and the arrest of a Georgian national caught photographing the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford in Souda Bay.
Heightened Surveillance Around Key Installations
Since the outbreak of regional hostilities—including escalating developments involving Iran—EYP operatives have intensified surveillance across strategic locations, aiming to prevent espionage, sabotage attempts, or terrorist attacks. The operation focuses especially on two critical U.S. military hubs: the naval base in Souda Bay, Crete, and the newly expanded Alexandroupoli base in northeastern Greece—both pivotal nodes for U.S. and NATO operations in the southeastern Mediterranean.
Targeted Monitoring of Accommodations
Authorities are closely scrutinizing hotels, Airbnb rentals, and other short-term tourist accommodations near these bases. Particular attention is being paid to individuals of Middle Eastern origin—and to lone travelers holding passports from countries different from their nationality of origin. This approach proved effective in past cases: two Azerbaijani nationals recently arrested for espionage in Souda were found using Polish passports. Their suspicious inquiries about lodging with views of the bay triggered immediate alerts.
Unconventional Field Operatives
To gather intelligence discreetly, EYP agents are operating under various cover identities—including as romantic couples on vacation, waitstaff at venues near sensitive sites, and attendees at professional conferences. These roles allow operatives to blend into civilian environments while monitoring activity around high-value infrastructure.
This method has contributed to the arrest of four individuals over the past eight months on espionage charges—in both Crete and the Evros region—each employing similar tactics to observe and document military facilities.