Twelve arrested over migrant smuggling near Turkish border
Greek authorities have arrested 12 suspected members of migrant smuggling networks in the Evros (Meriç) region over a two-day period, accusing them of transporting undocumented migrants westward from the Turkish border in overcrowded vehicles.
According to police, seven suspected smugglers were detained Tuesday near the northwestern Evros (Meriç) border after officers found 34 undocumented migrants packed into their cars and a minivan. The vehicles were reportedly heading toward Thessaloniki, where the migrants intended to continue their journey farther into Europe.
Five more suspected smugglers were arrested in the same area on Monday while transporting a total of 20 migrants in their vehicles.
Evros (Meriç) remains key land route
Thousands of migrants from the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Africa enter Greece each year, primarily by sea from Turkiye or Libya but also through the Evros (Meriç) land border.
Greek authorities have constructed a fence along much of the frontier in an effort to curb irregular crossings.
49,000 last year, 22,000 so far this year
Nearly 49,000 migrant arrivals were recorded nationwide last year, while more than 22,000 people have entered Greece so far this year.
Court approves Turkish citizen’s extradition
Separately, a Greek appeals court has approved the extradition to Turkiye of a 39-year-old Turkish citizen wanted by Turkish authorities on migrant smuggling charges.
The man denied the allegations, describing them as fabricated and claiming he was being politically persecuted because of his Kurdish background and posts published online.
He previously served three and a half years in Greece for the same offense before being released in 2022. His asylum application was subsequently rejected.
Prison fire delays hearing
The extradition hearing had been delayed after a fire broke out in the man's cell at Diavata prison, requiring him and two other inmates to be hospitalized.
Authorities are investigating whether the fire was deliberately started in solidarity with another Turkish inmate who is also facing extradition. No suspects have been identified.
Source:Kathimerini
