Five Arrested in Migrant Smuggling Operations Off Greek Island

07:37 16/12/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greek authorities have arrested five men accused of human smuggling following three separate rescue operations off the coast of Gavdos island over the weekend.

The operations, which involved rescuing 124 migrants from overcrowded vessels, also tragically resulted in five confirmed fatalities, with others still feared missing.

The Hellenic

Coast Guard, aided by commercial vessels, rescued migrants from Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who had embarked on perilous journeys from Libya in hopes of reaching Europe. 

Many of the survivors reported paying exorbitant fees to smugglers for the dangerous crossings.

The arrested individuals, aged 18 to 46, were identified as the alleged organizers of these smuggling operations. They face charges under Greece's immigration and penal codes, including facilitating illegal entry, human smuggling, and endangering lives.

In one operation, a Malta-flagged freighter rescued 47 men adrift in a small vessel. Two men were identified as the smugglers responsible for organizing the journey from Tobruk, Libya.

In another operation, a UK-flagged tanker rescued 89 migrants from a vessel where a 35-year-old Egyptian man was identified as the smuggler. Passengers revealed they had each paid him approximately €6,500 for the risky crossing.

Additionally, 45 men were found on Trypiti beach in Gavdos. Authorities arrested two individuals accused of orchestrating their journey from Musa’ed, Libya.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Greece in addressing migrant smuggling networks operating along the increasingly used "southern route" across the Libyan Sea. 

This route, favored by smugglers exploiting Libya's political instability, often involves dangerous crossings in overcrowded and unsafe vessels, putting migrants' lives at risk.

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