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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.<\/p>\n
Investigators have identified 41 alleged smuggling cases dating back to June 2025, with the network believed to have generated at least \u20ac750,000 in illegal proceeds, according to the Hellenic Police.<\/p>\n
The operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, November 5, across the northwestern region of Thesprotia and Thessaloniki.<\/p>\n
Read more: Greece Dismantles 262 Criminal Organisations in Two Years<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, the migrants originated from Nepal, Yemen and China.<\/p>\n
Members of the network allegedly guided them on foot across difficult mountainous routes from neighbouring Albania before bringing them into Thesprotia in northwestern Greece.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The organisation allegedly provided food, water and mobile phone SIM cards, charging migrants excessive amounts for these basic necessities.<\/p>\n
Transportation was primarily organised through intercity buses, with Athens and Patras among the main destinations. Some migrants were allegedly moved onwards to other countries.<\/p>\n
The police investigation also uncovered suspected cases of labour exploitation involving migrants who were allegedly directed towards agricultural employment in the Peloponnese.<\/p>\n
According to authorities, some were employed without the necessary legal procedures.<\/p>\n
Investigators also found that members of the organisation allegedly confiscated migrants\u2019 passports as security against debts accumulated through their transportation into and across Greece.<\/p>\n
In some cases, migrants were reportedly expected to repay these debts through their labour.<\/p>\n
The alleged arrangements raise concerns that the network\u2019s activities extended beyond migrant smuggling to include financial exploitation and the use of vulnerable individuals as an unpaid or irregular workforce.<\/p>\n
Investigators described the organisation as having a structured hierarchy, with members responsible for coordinating operations both inside and outside Greece.<\/p>\n
A support network allegedly operated in Thesprotia, arranging accommodation, supplies, communications and transportation in exchange for payment.<\/p>\n
Members reportedly used closed communications groups through online applications to coordinate migrant movements and exchange information about police activity.<\/p>\n
The system allegedly allowed them to monitor law enforcement movements and reduce the risk of detection.<\/p>\n
Ten people were arrested during simultaneous police operations in Thesprotia and Thessaloniki.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Police searched three residential properties and one business, seizing:<\/p>\n
One of the seized vehicles is suspected of having been acquired through money laundering.<\/p>\n
During the same operation, police arrested another 21 foreign nationals who allegedly lacked the necessary documentation to reside legally in Greece.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
These 21 arrests are separate from the 10 suspects arrested in connection with the organised migrant-smuggling investigation.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Details of the additional investigation have been incorporated into the police case file.<\/p>\n
The operation was conducted under Greece\u2019s National Operational Plan and the European Union\u2019s European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) 2.2 EAST MED programme, which targets organised criminal networks.<\/p>\n
Europol provided assistance to the operation, while Greek police units carried out the coordinated searches and arrests.<\/p>\n
The 10 suspects are expected to appear before the competent judicial authorities in Thesprotia.<\/p>\n
The investigation highlights how organised migrant-smuggling operations can extend beyond illegal border crossings, involving transportation networks, financial arrangements and alleged labour exploitation.<\/p>\n
Authorities are continuing to examine the network\u2019s activities and the extent of its connections inside and outside Greece.<\/p>\n
Source:<\/strong> Hellenic Police<\/p>\n <\/p>\n