Human trafficking network operating in Ilia, Greece exposes forced prostitution of foreign women

Investigations by the newspaper Espresso reveal a well‑organised trafficking ring in the Ilia region of Greece. The network is run by Balkan‑origin pimps, mainly Bulgarians and Romanians, who operate from Patras and transport women in closed vans to makeshift outdoor brothels in rural sites such as Kounoupeli, Manoladas and the Strofilia forest. The victims are primarily foreign women from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, as well as Romani women in dire economic circumstances. They are forced to sell sex for as little as €10‑20 per client, with some nights seeing up to thirty men per woman. A female police officer told Espresso, “There are no legal brothels in the area… we do not have such complaints because it suits many… the victims are afraid to come forward.” Local authorities are said to turn a blind eye, allowing the operation to continue. The report highlights the vulnerability of migrant labourers and the need for law‑enforcement action against the trafficking network.