Bohemia Interactive CEO says 'Arma 3' developer arrests are a 'terrible personal tragedy'

Bohemia Interactive's CEO, Marek Spanel, released a statement this morning in support of two employees who are currently being detained in Greece on allegations of espionage.

Bohemia Interactive's CEO, Marek Spanel, released a statement this morning in support of two employees who are currently being detained in Greece on allegations of espionage.

Spanel defended Martin Pezlar and Ivan Buchta – two developers working on Arma 3 – saying that they were holidaying on the Greek island of Lemnos and had no intention to threaten Greek national security.

"The guys visited the island as tourists," Spanel said in his statement. "Their trip to Lemnos was personal, organized via travel agent, with the single goal of experiencing the place that has inspired the virtual environments of Arma 3, a computer game that they've been working on over the past two years.

"Our company has never gathered or collected any restricted information, such as photos or blueprints of military installations of any nation, nor have we ever tasked anybody else to do it on our behalf. We always respect the law and we develop all of our products using publicly available materials only – Arma 3 is no exception."

Spanel says that media sources have reported that the Greek Ministry of National Defence examined Arma 3 and were assured that the game did not raise any problems. The game is based upon a fictional future set in the year 2035.

"The whole incident is a terrible personal tragedy for Ivan, Martin and their families; I believe it to be no more than a deep misunderstanding, one which will be swiftly explained. I'm ready to support the guys and their families in these difficult times as much as I can," he said.

A petition has been launched to protest the arrest of the two developers. Both men face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty.