Greek police have dismantled an organised migrant-smuggling network accused of facilitating the illegal transportation of more than 500 migrants into and across Greece, arresting 10 suspects in a coordinated operation supported by Europol.
Investigators have identified 41 alleged smuggling cases dating back to June 2025, with the network believed to have generated at least €750,000 in illegal proceeds, according to the Hellenic Police.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, November 5, across the northwestern region of Thesprotia and Thessaloniki.
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Police identified a structured criminal organisation allegedly responsible for moving migrants across the Greek border, arranging accommodation and transportation, and coordinating their onward journeys to other parts of Greece and abroad.
Migrants transported from Albania through mountainous routes
According to investigators, the migrants originated from Nepal, Yemen and China.
Members of the network allegedly guided them on foot across difficult mountainous routes from neighbouring Albania before bringing them into Thesprotia in northwestern Greece.
Once inside the country, migrants were reportedly accommodated in rented properties or makeshift tents in mountainous areas while arrangements were made for their onward transportation.
The organisation allegedly provided food, water and mobile phone SIM cards, charging migrants excessive amounts for these basic necessities.
Transportation was primarily organised through intercity buses, with Athens and Patras among the main destinations. Some migrants were allegedly moved onwards to other countries.
Investigation uncovers alleged labour exploitation
The police investigation also uncovered suspected cases of labour exploitation involving migrants who were allegedly directed towards agricultural employment in the Peloponnese.
According to authorities, some were employed without the necessary legal procedures.
Investigators also found that members of the organisation allegedly confiscated migrants’ passports as security against debts accumulated through their transportation into and across Greece.
In some cases, migrants were reportedly expected to repay these debts through their labour.
The alleged arrangements raise concerns that the network’s activities extended beyond migrant smuggling to include financial exploitation and the use of vulnerable individuals as an unpaid or irregular workforce.
Network used encrypted communications to evade police
Investigators described the organisation as having a structured hierarchy, with members responsible for coordinating operations both inside and outside Greece.
A support network allegedly operated in Thesprotia, arranging accommodation, supplies, communications and transportation in exchange for payment.
Members reportedly used closed communications groups through online applications to coordinate migrant movements and exchange information about police activity.
The system allegedly allowed them to monitor law enforcement movements and reduce the risk of detection.
Ten suspects arrested in coordinated raids
Ten people were arrested during simultaneous police operations in Thesprotia and Thessaloniki.
According to the Hellenic Police, the suspects include seven Greek nationals and three foreign nationals. A further 26-year-old alleged associate, who is already in pre-trial detention, has also been included in the case.
Police searched three residential properties and one business, seizing:
- Three passenger vehicles
- Mobile phones and other electronic equipment
- €1,150 in cash
- Four passports allegedly retained by a member of the organisation
One of the seized vehicles is suspected of having been acquired through money laundering.
During the same operation, police arrested another 21 foreign nationals who allegedly lacked the necessary documentation to reside legally in Greece.
Five were found at a property belonging to an alleged member of the smuggling network, where authorities said they were both living and working at his business without the required legal formalities.
These 21 arrests are separate from the 10 suspects arrested in connection with the organised migrant-smuggling investigation.
Police investigate links to second criminal organisation
The investigation also identified a 23-year-old alleged leader of a second criminal organisation. Four of the 10 arrested suspects are reportedly linked to that group.
Details of the additional investigation have been incorporated into the police case file.
The operation was conducted under Greece’s National Operational Plan and the European Union’s European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) 2.2 EAST MED programme, which targets organised criminal networks.
Europol provided assistance to the operation, while Greek police units carried out the coordinated searches and arrests.
The 10 suspects are expected to appear before the competent judicial authorities in Thesprotia.
The investigation highlights how organised migrant-smuggling operations can extend beyond illegal border crossings, involving transportation networks, financial arrangements and alleged labour exploitation.
Authorities are continuing to examine the network’s activities and the extent of its connections inside and outside Greece.
Source: Hellenic Police