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[CRIME] · Greece · 25 sources

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Greek Police dismantle migrant smuggling ring in Thessaloniki and Thesprotia

Greek authorities, in collaboration with Europol, have dismantled a large-scale migrant smuggling organization operating in the regions of Thessaloniki and Thesprotia. The operation, conducted under the EU's EMPACT 2.2 EAST MED program, resulted in the arrest of ten individuals: seven Greek nationals and three foreign nationals (two Syrian men and one Albanian woman).

Investigations revealed that the criminal group had been active since at least June 2025, involving 41 documented cases of transporting over 500 migrants from Nepal, Yemen, and China. The smugglers allegedly facilitated entry via difficult mountain paths from Albania, providing temporary shelter, food, and communication tools at exorbitant prices. Migrants were often transported by bus to Athens, Patras, or abroad.

The organization reportedly earned at least 750,000 euros in illegal profits. In many instances, members allegedly withheld migrants' passports as collateral, forcing them into undocumented agricultural labor in the Peloponnese to repay debts. Police seized vehicles, mobile devices, and passports during the raids.

Entities

Albania · Crete · EKAB · Europol · Greek Police · Hellenic Police · Hellenic Red Cross · Lapathos Gorge · Lasithi · Sub-directorate for Combating Organized Crime of Northern Greece · Thesprotia · Thessaloniki

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