Greek Authorities Vow Zero Tolerance for Human Traffickers After Lesbos Incident

LESBOS, Greece — Greek authorities have pledged a zero-tolerance policy against human traffickers following a dangerous confrontation off the coast of Lesbos on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, condemned the illegal activities of traffickers after a Turkish vessel opened fire on a Greek Coast Guard boat during an inspection attempt.

The incident occurred in the early morning when the Coast Guard approached the suspicious vessel for a routine check. According to officials, traffickers aboard the Turkish boat fired a weapon at the Coast Guard, prompting the crew to return fire toward a safe area of the fast-moving boat. The traffickers managed to escape toward Turkish waters. No injuries were reported on either side.

"The illegal criminal activities of human traffickers will not be tolerated by the Greek authorities," Kikilias stated, emphasizing the government's firm stance. He warned that such acts would face severe consequences as Greece continues to combat trafficking in the region.