Greek intelligence (EYP) and anti-terrorist officers arrested a 37-year-old man of Palestinian origin in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, on Saturday afternoon following an investigation into terrorist activity and potential links to individuals who recently drew the attention of Cypriot authorities.
The suspect, originally from the Gaza Strip, faces accusations of being a member of the Hamas terrorist organisation, as well as undertaking training and travel to support terrorist acts. Investigators state that he was planning an attack on Israeli targets, potentially utilizing explosives against a cruise ship.
The detained man resides legally in Greece, living alone in the Patisia area of Athens and working at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. Authorities traced and arrested him by acting on intelligence from Cyprus, where arrests were recently made in connection to Hamas terrorist activity and bomb attacks in Jerusalem. The operation was coordinated through intelligence sharing between EYP and the Anti-Terrorist Service.
Information indicates that the 37-year-old admitted to having contact with other individuals and participating in actions aimed at establishing the right conditions and mechanisms to execute a terrorist attack against Israeli targets in a European country.
The plot was still in the preparatory phase, as the suspect lacked the necessary means to move to the next stage of execution. While authorities believe the intended target could have been a cruise ship, the plan had not progressed past the gathering of materials. The suspect had reportedly already ordered some of the components to be used but was arrested before he could utilize them.
As part of the operation, police raided properties in both Crete and Athens, seizing mobile phones, a laptop, data storage devices, bank cards, and laboratory equipment.
The confiscated items will undergo analysis at specialized police laboratories. The 37-year-old, who was alone at the time of his arrest, will be brought before a public prosecutor. Investigations remain fully underway to determine the extent of his activities and uncover any domestic or international accomplices and connections.