Greek police have arrested a 52-year-old obstetrician-gynaecologist after investigators found hundreds of photographs and videos depicting child sexual abuse on his electronic devices, according to Greek media reports.
The Cyber Crime Division arrested the doctor after tracing an online account linked to the material. Authorities said some of the children depicted appeared to be under 15, with some possibly younger than 12.
The doctor, who runs a private practice in Athens’ northern suburbs and works with maternity clinics across the Attica region, has a substantial patient base and a prominent professional profile.
Investigation Began With Reports From Google and US Child Protection Organisation
Greek authorities received the initial information from the United States through Google and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), an American organisation that works to protect children from sexual exploitation.
Cyber Crime Division investigators analysed the digital evidence and traced the online account to its owner, identifying his residence.
Police then arrested the 52-year-old under Greece’s flagrante delicto procedure and searched his home.
Police Seize Phone, Laptop, Tablet and Hard Drive
During the search, officers seized a mobile phone, a computer’s internal hard drive, a laptop, a tablet and a memory card.
Investigators transferred the devices to forensic laboratories for a detailed examination of their digital contents.
According to police, the examination uncovered hundreds of files, photographs and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Authorities expressed particular concern about the apparent ages of some of the children in the material, who appeared to be younger than 12.
Doctor Allegedly Claimed Material Was for Personal Use
According to Ta Nea, the doctor has cooperated with investigators and has reportedly acknowledged possessing the material.
He allegedly told police that he kept the files for personal use.
The doctor has appeared before a prosecutor and remains in custody at the Attica General Police Directorate in Athens.
Investigators Examine Whether Doctor Produced Any Material
Investigators are also examining whether the doctor played any role in producing the material himself.
According to information reported by Ta Nea, authorities have not established any such involvement so far. However, forensic specialists will conduct a detailed examination of the seized devices and the digital traces investigators have identified.
Authorities will also investigate whether an international network may have distributed the material or facilitated the sexual exploitation of children.
Doctor Known as the People’s Gynaecologist
The case has attracted particular attention because of the doctor’s established professional presence and large patient base.
He operated his own practice in Athens’ northern suburbs and maintained professional relationships with maternity clinics across Attica.
According to Ta Nea, people in his professional circle had nicknamed him the “people’s gynaecologist” because he had built a substantial clientele over the years. Women from different parts of Greece reportedly travelled to him for medical care.
Gynaecologists’ Representative Calls Case a Blow to Medical Profession
The case has also caused concern within Greece’s medical community.
Loukas Klentzeris, president of the body representing obstetricians and gynaecologists, described the allegations as deeply disturbing in comments to Ta Nea. He said the case would represent a serious blow and a source of shame for the medical profession if investigators confirmed the reported findings.
“If it is true, it is condemnable and, without any doubt, something appalling that brings shame on the entire medical profession,” Klentzeris said.
He added that the doctor had never given him reason to suspect illegal, unusual or delinquent behaviour of this nature.
The 52-year-old is expected to appear before an investigating magistrate on Monday to answer questions about the material found on his electronic devices. The investigation remains ongoing.