Crete terror suspect admits Hamas membership, links to Cyprus plot

A 37-year-old man arrested in Crete on Saturday on suspicion of terrorism-related activity has told Greek investigators he is a member of Hamas and was connected to suspects detained in Cyprus over planned attacks on Israeli-linked targets.

The suspect, a Gaza native legally employed in Greece as a seasonal hotel worker, was staying in Agios Nikolaos, northeastern Crete, with other employees when he was arrested. In his initial testimony, he said he had not yet built an explosive device but had ordered materials online that could be used to manufacture explosives.

A search of his Athens apartment in the Patissia district uncovered a precision scale and a glass measuring cup, both recently purchased and still in their packaging. Authorities are also examining digital evidence seized during the investigation.

According to investigators, the suspect had traveled to Malaysia for training in the construction of explosive devices. His wife and three children live at the family base, in the Gaza Strip, the investigators said.

Read more: eKathimerini (Greece)