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ArmA Developer Issues Update on Arrested Employees

Company has met with them, and sticks by story the duo were on vacation.

Original reports suggested ArmA developers were covertly researching for ArmA 3.
Original reports suggested ArmA developers were covertly researching for ArmA 3.

ArmA developer Bohemia Interactive is continuing to push back on early reports that two employees arrested while near a military base on the island of Lemnos were doing so for research purposes.

The company issued a new, lengthy statement this morning.

“Having travelled there, and after meeting personally with them both,” said the company, “as well as their lawyer who is fully acquainted with the Greek authority’s investigation file in detail, we can assure you that these insinuations are completely false and without substance.”

Bohemia named the employees, too: creative director Ivan Buchta and environment designer Martin Pezlar.

The company is sticking by its previous statement, which said the employees were on vacation. The reason for stopping by the military base was reportedly out of genuine interest.

“They took photographs and videos in public areas, as countless tourists arriving to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Greece may well do,” continued the statement. “These included a short video as they drove through the main road passing around the international airport, where in one short part of the video off in the distance some hangars and other buildings of the complex can be seen. It's very likely that many tourists may have pictures similar to those taken by Ivan and Martin in their own family albums, without being aware that they put themselves or their families at risk.”

Though the Lemnos base will be in the upcoming ArmA 3, Bohemia said the game’s version is only 75% of the island “and it does not attempt to display any real world military installations situated on the island of Lemnos.”

A statement from the employees was issued, as well:

“The conditions are tough, but the people we meet treat us fairly and correctly. It is all a completely absurd misunderstanding that will certainly be quickly explained. We mainly think of you, our families; you have to stay calm and not to worry about us. We hope we will meet soon."

It’s unclear when the employees will be released.

Patrick Klepek on Google+