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Heraklion Man Accused of Tracking Ex-Girlfriend with GPS Device; Legal Limits Questioned
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Heraklion Man Accused of Tracking Ex-Girlfriend with GPS Device; Legal Limits Questioned

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A 23-year-old man in Heraklion, Crete, is accused of tracking his ex-girlfriend using a GPS device placed on her car.
  • The 22-year-old woman reported her ex-boyfriend to the police after noticing his frequent appearances in places she visited.
  • Police found a GPS device on her vehicle, leading to the man's arrest as investigations continue into the timeline and method of placement.

A disturbing case of alleged stalking has emerged in Heraklion, Crete, where a 23-year-old man is accused of using a GPS tracker to monitor his ex-girlfriend's movements. The 22-year-old woman alerted authorities after becoming suspicious of her former partner's uncanny ability to appear wherever she went.

obsessive behaviors and the limits of technology

— Nikos RigasNikos Rigas, vice-president of the Athens Police Officers' Union, commented on the case, characterizing the actions as obsessive.

Her suspicions led her to contact the police, who subsequently discovered a GPS tracking device attached to her car. The man was arrested, and an investigation is underway to determine when and how the device was placed, as well as the duration of the surveillance.

Nikos Rigas, vice-president of the Athens Police Officers' Union, condemned such actions as "purely obsessive behavior." He noted that while technology can be used for beneficial purposes like locating children or preventing vehicle theft, its application for tracking individuals infringes upon personal freedom and shows a lack of respect.

it is different to want to protect a child or your car and different to monitor your partner.

— Nikos RigasRigas differentiated between legitimate uses of technology and surveillance of a partner.

Constantinos Mantes, an electrical engineer and professor at the University of Crete, explained that GPS trackers are intended for legitimate uses, such as finding missing persons. He emphasized that unauthorized tracking constitutes a "malicious act" and violates personal data protection laws.

malicious act

— Constantinos MantesConstantinos Mantes, an electrical engineer and professor, described unauthorized tracking as a malicious act.

Mantes further highlighted that while these devices are easily obtainable and can be discreetly installed, their sale should be regulated to prevent misuse. He stressed that placing a tracking device without consent is illegal and that justice will ultimately determine the outcome of the case.

in no case can any GPS or tracking device be placed without consent.

— Constantinos MantesMantes stressed the illegality of placing tracking devices without consent.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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