Greek police arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man on Crete after uncovering a suspected cell believed to have ties to Hamas. Authorities say he is linked to two Palestinians detained in Cyprus and that the three allegedly trained together in explosives. The suspect, who arrived in Greece about a year ago and was granted asylum, had been working seasonally in Agios Nikolaos. He was placed under surveillance before his arrest and is due to appear before a prosecutor as the investigation continues.
Suspected Hamas Member Arrested on Crete in Probe Linked to Arrests in Cyprus
FILE PHOTO - A Greek police officer stands guard during a security deployment. (is associated with: «Suspected Hamas member arrested on Crete») Socrates Baltagiannis/dpa
Greek authorities said on Sunday they uncovered a suspected terrorist cell believed to have links to the Hamas militant organization and arrested a suspect on the island of Crete.
As part of the investigation, Athens police detained a 37-year-old man of Palestinian origin who they say is accused of membership in Hamas and of planning terrorist attacks. The arrest followed several days of surveillance after authorities received indications of possible involvement.
Investigation Links to Cyprus Arrests
Police say the man is connected to two Palestinians who were recently detained in Cyprus. Investigators allege the three individuals trained together in the handling of explosives, a claim authorities are continuing to probe.
Background
According to police, the suspect arrived in Greece about a year ago and was granted asylum. He most recently worked seasonally at a hotel in Agios Nikolaos on Crete, a port where local media say cruise ships carrying tourists from Israel often call.
The suspect is due to appear before a prosecutor, and the investigation remains ongoing, Athens police added. Authorities have not released further details about evidence or possible targets as inquiries continue.
Note: All allegations are those reported by Greek authorities; the suspect has not been convicted and the probe is ongoing.
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