Four suspected migrant smugglers arrested near Greek-Turkish border
Four suspected migrant smugglers have been arrested in separate incidents over the weekend near Greece's northeastern land border with Türkiye, authorities said on Monday.
According to a police statement, a Greek national was arrested following a road chase while driving a small van carrying 12 migrants who had allegedly crossed the border irregularly, Kathimerini reported.
The driver is accused of collecting the migrants after they entered Greece and attempting to transport them further into the country.
Three more arrests in separate operations
In separate incidents over the weekend, police arrested three foreign nationals in the same region on suspicion of transporting migrants towards Thessaloniki.
The arrests highlight continued efforts by Greek authorities to tackle migrant smuggling networks operating along the country's northeastern border.
Thousands continue to cross from Türkiye
Despite the border fence constructed along much of the Greek-Turkish frontier, thousands of people continue to enter Greece from Türkiye each year, often relying on smugglers to facilitate their journey towards other European countries.
According to United Nations figures, more than 7,000 people have crossed into the region so far this year, approximately matching the total number of arrivals recorded throughout 2025.
Many migrants view Greece as a gateway to other European destinations, seeking better living conditions and opportunities in the continent's more prosperous countries.
