SouthernWorldwide.com – A 37-year-old man, reportedly granted asylum a year ago, has been arrested by Greek police on the island of Crete on suspicion of being a Hamas terrorist. Authorities allege he was plotting an attack targeting an Israeli cruise line.
The suspect is believed to have ties to three other individuals previously arrested in Cyprus, also suspected of being Hamas terrorists. Investigations suggest the arrested man traveled with one of these individuals to Malaysia.
In Malaysia, it is alleged they received training in the creation of explosives using readily available chemical agents. This training is seen as a key element in the alleged plot.
The intended target of the attack was reportedly the Israeli cruise ship MS Crown Iris. The vessel was scheduled to dock in Crete on Tuesday, just before the arrest was made.
Greek police have not yet publicly identified the arrested individual or specified the exact target of the alleged plot in their initial statements. The investigation is ongoing.
Searches were conducted at residences in both Crete and Athens, the Greek capital. Authorities reportedly found several mobile phones, a laptop, external hard drives, and bank cards during these searches.
The arrested suspect is an electrician by profession. Reports indicate he has been living in Crete for the past year, working at a local hotel following his asylum application being approved.
He is expected to appear before a magistrate on Sunday. The arrest comes after authorities uncovered evidence of his alleged activities.
According to reports, the suspected terrorist had placed an online order for what police described as “chemical agents.” These substances are believed to be usable in the manufacture of explosives.
State broadcaster ERT, as cited by Israeli and Greek media, also reported that laboratory equipment was discovered during the searches. This suggests a more organized effort in preparing for the alleged attack.
This case appears to be part of a wider regional counterterrorism operation. Cypriot authorities initiated a significant crackdown on May 22, arresting two Palestinians based on intelligence information.
Investigators found materials in two residences in Cyprus that police stated could be used to manufacture explosives. Two more Palestinian men were apprehended on May 29 as part of the same ongoing investigation, according to Greek police.
The MS Crown Iris has previously been a point of contention at Greek ports. This has occurred amidst heightened anger and protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Protesters had gathered near the ship when it docked in Piraeus on Wednesday, June 3. Demonstrations against the vessel have become a recurring event at Greek ports since last year.
The protesters allege that Mano Maritime, the company that owns the MS Crown Iris, is profiting from the Hamas-Israel war. Their claims suggest the company is selling tourist services to Israeli Defense Forces soldiers during their leave periods.
In July 2025, Greek police were forced to use tear gas and make arrests. This action was taken as demonstrators attempted to block the ship at Agios Nikolaos, located on the island of Crete.
The investigation into the alleged plot is continuing. Authorities have not yet announced any formal charges against the arrested suspect. The full extent of the alleged network and its plans is still being determined.
