A man has been arrested in the rural area of Nea Manolada, Ilia, in northwestern Peloponnese for holding eight migrants captive in a house and forcing them to work on farms. The arrest happened on Thursday after Greek police received an alert through the European emergency number 112. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the eight migrants locked inside a small room, all of them held against their will.
The suspect, who is a foreign national, is now facing serious charges of illegal detention. Meanwhile, police are actively searching for another foreign national who is believed to be involved in smuggling the migrants into the area. The second suspect is accused of taking part in bringing the migrants into the country and handing them over for forced labour.
According to the police, the migrants’ passports and travel documents had been taken away by the smugglers to stop them from leaving. They were reportedly being forced to work under harsh conditions on local farms, especially in the strawberry fields for which Manolada is widely known. The removal of their identification was part of a plan to control and exploit them.
Why is Nea Manolada often linked with migrant abuse?
Nea Manolada has gained attention in the past for its poor treatment of migrant workers, especially those employed in strawberry farming. Many workers have spoken out about being underpaid or not paid at all, and working in unsafe, harsh environments. This latest case only adds to the long list of human rights concerns in the region.
Authorities are continuing the investigation to track down the second suspect and to provide protection and support to the rescued migrants. Police have not yet confirmed the nationalities of the victims, but all eight are now safe and no longer in immediate danger.
This case has once again highlighted the vulnerability of migrants in rural farming areas of Greece. Many are forced to work in exploitative conditions, often without legal documents, fair pay, or proper housing. Human rights groups have been urging Greek authorities to take stronger action to prevent such abuse and to monitor agricultural labour practices more closely.
As investigations continue, police say they are working closely with other agencies to determine how the victims arrived in the area and to uncover the full network behind the illegal smuggling and forced labour. The rescued migrants are now receiving help and support while the search for justice continues.