Police dismantle human trafficking ring operating in Athens
A criminal organization involved in the trafficking of foreign women for sexual exploitation has been dismantled following a coordinated police operation on February 14 and 15.
Nine members of the group, including its leaders, were arrested and now face charges related to – depending on the case – organized crime, human trafficking, pimping, violation of official seals, electricity theft, rape, kidnapping, and violations of weapons and drug laws.
In addition to the initial arrests, 17 more individuals were apprehended during the investigation on charges of pimping and violation of official seals.
One of the key leaders, known as “Marina” and born in 1952, is linked to the 2021 Ilioupoli trafficking case, which involves an accused police officer, as well as the notorious Greek Mafia. Despite being incarcerated at Korydallos Prison, Marina maintained control over the operation by communicating with her daughter, who carried out her orders. The organization controlled several brothels in Athens, using foreign nationals – primarily from Bulgaria – as fronts for leasing properties used for illegal activities. These foreign nationals either had no physical presence in Greece or, in some cases, had already passed away before the property leases were signed, making it impossible for authorities to trace the true perpetrators during inspections.
Other members of the network were responsible for trafficking vulnerable women from abroad, transporting them to apartments in Athens, and keeping them under strict control to prevent escape. In one case, a member of the organization used violence and threats to kidnap a woman and detain her illegally in an Athens apartment for six days. During her captivity, she was drugged, sexually assaulted, and forced into prostitution.
The organization was also involved in the operation of brothels, where they exploited and recruited vulnerable women. One member was specifically tasked with tampering with electricity meters at the brothels to lower energy consumption and maximize profits. Additionally, the group’s bookkeeper falsified property leases to cover up the illegal nature of their operations.
During raids at brothels, private homes, and a bookkeeping office, authorities seized two vehicles, an airgun, money transfer receipts, a large amount of digital evidence (including mobile phones, computers, cameras, and recording devices), documents and handwritten notes related to property leases and brothel operations, broken plastic seals from electricity meters, and €21,762 in cash.
Furthermore, 24 women were provided protection and support, with 20 identified as potential victims of human trafficking and four confirmed as victims.
The arrested individuals have been transferred to the relevant judicial authorities for further processing.
Kathimerini
