A migrant smuggling network that had allegedly developed operations in Attica was targeted by authorities following a coordinated operation by the Security Office of the Piraeus Central Port Authority. The operation took place in Neos Kosmos and led to the arrest of six individuals, who are charged with crimes related to migrant smuggling, illegal entry into the country, forgery, and drug law violations. Port authorities report this as a significant blow to the network’s operations, while investigations continue to determine the full scope of its activities and identify any accomplices or other persons connected to the case.
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Network: The surveillance that led to the operation
According to the Coast Guard, the operation didn’t happen by chance. Officers from the Security Office of the Piraeus Central Port Authority, in cooperation with the Directorate of Maritime Border Security and Protection, had placed the main suspect’s residence under discreet surveillance for several days. This surveillance allowed investigators to gather intelligence and organize the coordinated operation that took place in Neos Kosmos. During the authorities’ action, two Turkish nationals, aged 38 and 27, were located and arrested outside the residence.
A check of their documents revealed that a national arrest warrant issued by the Samos Court Investigator was pending against the 38-year-old. Meanwhile, it was determined that the 27-year-old was residing illegally in Greece, as he did not possess the required travel documents that would legitimize his presence in the country. During the subsequent search, authorities found in the 27-year-old’s possession a fake Bulgarian driver’s license. According to preliminary investigation data, he allegedly obtained this document for 500 euros. Mobile phones were also seized and are being examined as part of the investigation.
Network: What was found inside the residence
After the initial arrests, authorities proceeded to search the 38-year-old’s residence in the presence of a judicial officer. There, four more foreign nationals were found – one Syrian and three Turkish citizens, aged 39, 25, 24, and 29. Checks revealed that all four lacked legal travel documents, leading to their arrest. During the apartment search, coast guard officers also discovered travel and identification documents of questionable authenticity from various countries.
These documents were seized and have been sent for further examination, as authorities attempt to determine their exact role in the network’s activities. Particular emphasis is being placed on their origin and the way they were used or trafficked. The preliminary investigation is in full progress, while port authorities are examining digital data, communications, and seized items to map the suspects’ contact network. They are also investigating whether this particular network is connected to other cases of illegal migrant smuggling that have previously occupied Greek authorities. Investigations continue with the goal of uncovering the full scope of the group’s operations and determining whether there are additional persons involved in Greece or abroad.
