The Bulgarian citizen detained in Greece on suspicion of espionage after allegedly filming a military-related site with a drone has been released pending trial, according to reporting by Kathimerini cited by BTA. Authorities in Thessaloniki had initially arrested the 35-year-old man on Saturday after receiving a tip-off that he was operating a drone in the area without the required authorization.
Further reading: Bulgaria National Detained in Greece on Espionage Suspicion After Drone Incident in Thessaloniki
During the inspection of the device, police reportedly discovered thermal imagery showing a former military camp. The finding led investigators to suspect possible surveillance activity, prompting the brief detention of the man while the case was reviewed.
The suspect rejected the allegations, insisting he had no intent to collect sensitive information. He said “I was testing a recently purchased drone” and claimed he was unaware that the device had been used near or over a former military installation. He added that the thermal recording was made accidentally and not deliberately captured.
He also told authorities that he has been living and working in Thessaloniki for several years, emphasizing his long-term residence in the city as part of his defense against the accusations.
