Greek authorities have arrested eight people suspected of migrant smuggling during a series of operations near the country’s northeastern border with Turkey, where dozens of migrants were found being transported in overcrowded vehicles.
According to police, the arrests were made over the past three days in the Evros border region. The suspects were allegedly transporting a total of 40 migrants who had recently crossed into Greece through irregular routes before attempting to travel further into the country.
Authorities said two of the vehicles involved in the operations crashed, leaving several migrants injured. In one incident, a car overturned in the middle of the road while carrying nine migrants. Eight of the passengers were taken to hospital for treatment, while the suspected smuggler was arrested near the crash site.
In another operation on Monday, police arrested two foreign nationals suspected of transporting 11 migrants in two separate vehicles toward the northern city of Thessaloniki. Investigators said one of the suspects was driving a stolen vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
The second suspect attempted to escape by driving off the road after noticing police officers. Although the vehicle left the roadway, no injuries were reported during the pursuit, and the suspect was taken into custody.
Police also confirmed that five additional suspected migrant smugglers were arrested over the weekend after they were stopped while transporting another 20 migrants in overcrowded cars.
The arrests come as Greece continues to face significant migration pressure along both its land and sea borders. Thousands of people from the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent attempt to enter the country each year through the Evros border with Turkey despite increased security measures, including a high metal border fence.
Greek authorities say more than 15,000 migrants have arrived in the country by land and sea so far this year. Many have reached the southern island of Crete after making dangerous boat journeys from Libya across the Mediterranean Sea.
Officials say operations against migrant smuggling networks will continue as authorities work to strengthen border security, dismantle criminal groups, and prevent dangerous journeys that often put migrants’ lives at risk.
Why were the eight people arrested near Greece’s border?
The eight suspects were arrested for allegedly transporting 40 migrants who had entered Greece through irregular routes from Turkey. Greek police accuse them of participating in migrant smuggling operations, with two separate vehicle crashes leaving several migrants injured.