Greek citizen arrested in Paris on US warrants for industrial espionage on behalf of Russia

The US Justice Department this week announced the arrest of a Greek national on industrial espionage charges, and specifically dealing with quantum computing and nuclear testing technology.

The arrested man was identified as Nikolaos Bogonikolas.

According to media reports in Greece, arrested man is the owner of the Aratos Group and is up for extradition from France.

US authorities claim that the defendant allegedly conspired to obtain sensitive technologies used in quantum computing and nuclear testing to further Russia’s defense research and development efforts.
According to a press release by the FBI, “…A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Dr. Nikolaos “Nikos” Bogonikolos with wire fraud conspiracy and smuggling.  Bogonikolos, a Greek national, was arrested in Paris, France on May 9, 2023 and remains in custody pending the resolution of extradition proceedings.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Jonathan Carson, Special Agent-in-Charge, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office announced the charges.

“As alleged, while ostensibly operating as a defense contractor for NATO and other ally countries, the defendant and his Aratos Group were double dealing, helping to fuel Russia’s war effort and their development of next generation weapons,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Our Office continues to work tirelessly to ensure that disruptive technologies do not fall into the wrong hands.”