EU Authorities Crack Down on Greek Irregular Migration Ring

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The Athens to Palma flight incident, where at least six passengers attempted to board the plane irregularly, may be linked to a human trafficking network operating in Greece. Two individuals were removed from the aircraft for lacking proper travel documentation, while three others were identified in the boarding area and prevented from boarding. In order to locate the final irregular traveler, the entire passenger list had to disembark. The incident mirrors patterns seen in organized trafficking schemes that are still under investigation and could influence ongoing inquiries in related cases. Eurojust reported that authorities are examining connections between this event and wider criminal activity in the region, with clear implications for security and border controls. Eurojust, November 2023.

Eurojust disclosed in November 2023 that Belgian and Greek authorities dismantled a criminal network devoted to irregular trafficking. The operation led to eleven arrests and sixteen searches, including two conducted at Greek travel agencies. These authorities recovered evidence that points to a sophisticated operation spanning multiple countries and involving various fronts, including travel arrangements and document manipulation. Eurojust, November 2023.

Investigations indicate that migrants, primarily Iraqis in this case, reached Greece by illegal routes and were then moved by the criminal organization toward Belgium. There, they were supplied with forged or duplicated travel documents. Greece served as the entry point into Europe for these individuals, who were guided onward toward other destinations with the aim of seamless entry into the Schengen area. Eurojust, November 2023.

The August 22 police intervention shares notable similarities in the approach used by these networks, though investigators emphasize that inquiries are still open and no single hypothesis is ruled out. The ongoing nature of the investigation means authorities are evaluating a range of possibilities as new information emerges. Eurojust, November 2023.

In the network uncovered by Eurojust, travelers paid between 5,000 and 6,000 euros to criminal groups to gain entry into Europe. In many cases, a trusted member of the organization accompanied them, ensuring oversight and coordination. The intended destinations were member states of the European Union, reached by car or plane through varied routes designed to bypass standard immigration checks. Eurojust, November 2023.

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