Authorities arrested seven women during a targeted police operation at illegal brothels in Athens and Kallithea, which were allegedly operating in violation of official closure orders issued by the relevant municipal authorities. The operation was carried out on Thursday evening (2/7) by the Sub-Directorate for Combating Human and Goods Trafficking, as part of a series of targeted inspections. The primary objective of the authorities was to identify and protect potential human trafficking victims.
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NGO involvement and key findings at the raided brothels
Members of the non-governmental organization “Our Rescue”, which specializes in supporting and assisting human trafficking victims, accompanied police officers during the raids in order to provide immediate, expert assistance in the event that any women were found to be living in exploitative conditions.
During the raids, officers established the following:
- Three brothels were found to be operating normally, despite having previously been sealed under orders issued by the relevant municipal authorities.
- A total of seven women were arrested, facing charges — depending on individual circumstances — of breaching official seals and violations of immigration law.
- A sum of €1,535 in cash was discovered and seized on the premises during the searches.
The arrested women have already been brought before the competent prosecutorial authority, where they will be called to answer the charges against them. Meanwhile, authorities have already initiated the necessary procedures to reseal the brothels in question.
