Greek Authorities Uncover Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Network Exploiting Migrant Health Data

Greek law enforcement officials announced the dismantling of a criminal network involved in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, including psychiatric medications, by exploiting migrant health care identification numbers.

The operation, carried out on Friday, led to the arrest of six individuals, including two pharmacists, a doctor, an accountant, and two alleged associates. Authorities are also seeking 10 more suspects, among them additional doctors and pharmacists, for questioning.

The criminal group allegedly used the social security numbers of foreign nationals without their knowledge, issuing over a thousand fraudulent prescriptions. These prescriptions were used to supply drugs to individuals through eight pharmacies located in Athens that were reportedly connected to the operation.

The accountant arrested in the operation is said to have played a key role in establishing fake companies, enabling the collection of personal details from foreign workers seeking employment in Greece.

Investigators discovered 1,016 forged prescriptions, which involved nearly 100,000 doses of medications, including powerful psychiatric drugs. Additionally, authorities seized a range of evidence, including forged insurance and work-related stamps, a firearm, ammunition, and €29,250 in cash.

The suspects, who are currently in custody awaiting trial, face serious charges, including participation in a criminal organization, narcotics distribution, fraud, forgery, unauthorised access to data, and violations of weapons and immigration laws.

This operation marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts by Greek authorities to combat illegal drug trafficking and the exploitation of migrant communities.