Greek authorities arrest smugglers after migrant rescues near Crete

Greek authorities have arrested several individuals suspected of human smuggling following the rescue of numerous migrants in the Mediterranean Sea near Crete and Ierapetra.

In separate incidents south of Crete, three smugglers aged 19, 25, and 26 were identified by passengers after the rescue of 150 migrants. The individuals, including two Sudanese nationals, were reportedly paid to transport people from Tobruk, Libya, to Greece. Passengers reported paying fees ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 Libyan dinars per person.

Additionally, near Ierapetra, two 17-year-old Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals were arrested after being identified by passengers as smugglers. These arrests followed the rescue of 108 migrants in two separate maritime operations. The minors face charges related to illegal entry, facilitation, and exposure.