Greek police have dismantled a major migrant smuggling network that moved people from the Evros border through Thessalon...

Greek police have dismantled a major migrant smuggling network that moved people from the Evros border through Thessaloniki and onward into EU countries, collecting between 2,000 and 6,500 euros per person smuggled. The ring pulled in over 300,000 euros in illegal profits since February 2026. The operation was the result of months-long international police cooperation between Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, and the Netherlands, with support from Europol and the Southeastern European Law Enforcement Center. Seven people were arrested simultaneously in Thessaloniki, Athens, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands on both national and European warrants. Six of the seven arrested are foreign nationals, Syrian and Egyptian citizens aged 25 to 47. The seventh is a 21-year-old Greek woman. According to Greek police, a 44-year-old Syrian man among those arrested is believed to be the ringleader of the organization. The total case file covers 13 individuals. Three are already serving prison sentences in Greece for similar offenses tied to the same network, and three others are still being sought by authorities. Investigators confirmed at least 12 separate smuggling operations were carried out during the ring's active period. Searches were carried out at 10 residences across Thessaloniki, Athens, and Sofia, where evidence and assets were seized. Greek police said the investigation is ongoing and efforts to locate the remaining members of the network are continuing. #Greece #Immigration #Evros