German man held in Crete on suspicion of spying at military airport

A 56-year-old German man has been arrested in Crete on suspicion of espionage after allegedly photographing military aircraft and restricted areas at a joint civil-military airport in Hania, authorities said.

Police said the man was detained on June 7 at Chania International Airport after being found using a professional camera to take images inside the airport perimeter, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

An inspection of the device reportedly uncovered photographs of military aircraft and sensitive installations. He was due to appear before judicial authorities.

In an initial police statement, the suspect denied any espionage intent, saying he was visiting Crete on holiday.

Authorities said investigations into the case are ongoing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev