Crete: 204 migrants rescued as four minors are arrested for smuggling

Authorities have rescued 204 migrants across five separate incidents in the maritime area south of Crete. The vessels, which departed from Libya, were intercepted near Ierapetra, Kaloi Limenes, and Gavdos through operations involving the Hellenic Coast Guard and Frontex aerial assets.

During these operations, four South Sudanese minors, aged 15, 16, and 17, were arrested for allegedly acting as smugglers and managing the boats. Some migrants reported paying between 1,500 and 14,000 Libyan dinars for the journey.

Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Pleuris noted that while migration flows toward Turkey are at historic lows, the Libya-Crete corridor remains a significant concern, with approximately 16,000 arrivals recorded in a nine-month period. Pleuris also announced plans to establish ‘Return Hubs’ in Africa, aiming for the first agreement with an African nation after Christmas to facilitate returns.