Greek police dismantle huge smuggling network in Athens!

Greek police dismantle huge smuggling network in Athens!

Greek police have arrested 20 people in a large-scale operation against a suspected human trafficking network. These arrests took place in the greater Athens area, where several apartments used as workshops for forged travel documents were raided. This operation not only arrested the suspected smugglers, but also seized numerous fake passports and ID cards that were needed to illegally smuggle migrants into other EU countries. According to initial findings, the gang was involved in illegal smuggling in over 500 cases and is said to have made a profit of around four million euros. Those arrested include people of Syrian and Egyptian origin.

In addition to the arrests, investigators seized an impressive nearly 5,000 fake or stolen passports during the raids. These documents should make a significant contribution to smuggling migrants into other European countries - especially Germany, Spain and Sweden. Greek investigators have been working undercover on this case for six months and received support from Europol, with two officers on site. This action highlights the challenges Europe faces in the context of migration.

Background to the smuggling

The majority of migrants who enter the EU via Greece aim to travel on to Germany or other Central European countries. According to the UNHCR, around 12,800 migrants have arrived in Greece since the beginning of the year through May 18. Many of them use fake travel documents to escape the risks and controls when entering other EU countries.

The smugglers' method often involves “packages” that, in addition to fake IDs, also offer flight bookings and tickets for flights to western or northern European destinations. The costs for these packages amount to a hefty amount between 5,000 and 15,000 euros. The forged documents are often of such high quality that they are difficult to recognize as forgeries.

EU initiatives against smuggling networks

In light of these developments, the EU Commission is planning new measures to combat the abuse of commercial transport in the context of irregular migration. Vice President Margaritis Schinas stressed the urgency of using all available means to combat the massive influence of criminal networks. The focus is primarily on air transport, where the abuse of transport companies to facilitate illegal migration is particularly common.

The EU's strategies include three main pillars: strengthening the legal framework, improving situational awareness and early warning systems, and intensifying cooperation with partner countries and transport companies. A key aim is to monitor air traffic more effectively and optimize information exchange between EU member states in order to respond in good time to potential threats from smuggling alerts.

Given the developments and the ongoing challenge posed by smuggling networks, it is essential that both Greece and the EU as a whole strengthen and adapt their measures to combat these criminal activities.

Overall, the latest strike by the Greek police against the smuggling network shows how urgently needed measures are to combat organized crime in the transport of migrants. The use of forged documents and the numerous arrests are a strong signal that the authorities, supported by European partners, are taking decisive action against illegal activities.