Ten arrested in Greek smuggling network linked to more than 500 migrants
Greek police have dismantled an alleged migrant-smuggling network responsible for transporting more than 500 people into and through Greece, arresting 10 suspects in coordinated operations in northwestern Greece and Thessaloniki.
The investigation uncovered 41 cases of migrant transportation dating back to at least June 2025, with the network estimated to have generated at least €750,000 in illegal proceeds, police said Friday.
The migrants, originating from Nepal, Yemen and China, allegedly entered Greece on foot through remote mountain routes from Albania, arriving initially in the Thesprotia region.
Migrants allegedly held in temporary accommodation
According to investigators, the suspects arranged temporary accommodation in rented lodgings and makeshift tents, providing migrants with food, water and SIM cards in exchange for substantial payments.
The network subsequently organised onward transportation, mainly using intercity buses to Athens and Patras, while some migrants were allegedly transferred to destinations abroad.
Police also found evidence suggesting that certain migrants were sent to work illegally on farms in the Peloponnese.
In several cases, suspects allegedly confiscated migrants' passports as security for unpaid smuggling fees, with individuals expected to repay their debts through their labour.
Ten suspects arrested in coordinated raids
Nine arrests were carried out in Sagiada, near the Albanian border in Thesprotia, while another suspect was arrested in Thessaloniki.
The suspects include seven Greek nationals and three foreign nationals: two Syrian men and an Albanian woman.
A 26-year-old alleged accomplice is already being held in pretrial detention.
Investigators said the group used a closed communications network through messaging applications to coordinate its activities and exchange information about police movements.
Twenty-one undocumented migrants also detained
During the operation, police also arrested 21 foreign nationals who lacked legal residency documents.
Five of them were reportedly found living at a suspect's residence and allegedly working illegally at his business.
Searches of three homes and a business resulted in the seizure of three vehicles, mobile phones and other electronic devices, €1,150 in cash and four passports.
Europol assists investigation
The operation was conducted with the cooperation of Europol and involved police units from Thesprotia, Thessaloniki and Patras.
The 10 suspects are expected to appear before judicial authorities in Thesprotia to face charges related to the alleged smuggling network.
The investigation remains focused on establishing the full extent of the operation and the involvement of those allegedly responsible for transporting and exploiting migrants.
Source:Kathimerini
