Nine individuals have been detained in Thessaloniki for the illegal detention and abuse of seven Moroccan nationals. The victims were held hostage in an abandoned house near the Roma settlement of Agia Sophia, where they were beaten and forced to demand additional payment from their families. Authorities uncovered the operation following emergency calls and a video showing the abuse. The suspects, including a Pakistani national, face charges of trafficking and illegal detention. The investigation reveals the involvement of at least seven others in the trafficking ring.
Tag: human trafficking
Eight Roma and one Pakistani were arrested in Thessaloniki for holding seven Moroccans hostage, beating…
A Romanian court has lifted the house arrest order for Andrew Tate, replacing it with a lighter preventative measure as he faces ongoing criminal investigations. Tate, accused of serious crimes alongside his brother Tristan, now faces judicial control, allowing him more freedom while adhering to certain legal restrictions.
The UK announced plans to become the first nation globally to implement sanctions specifically targeting irregular migration and the criminal networks facilitating it. Foreign Secretary David Lammy unveiled the proposed legislation, a key element of the government's "Plan for Change" to strengthen border security and tackle human trafficking.
The boat tragedy that claimed the lives of over 250 Pakistanis off the coast of…
In the early hours of yesterday morning, Friday, December 27, 2024, the Port Authority of…
A dramatic pursuit unfolded off the coast of Lesvos when a Greek Coast Guard patrol boat intercepted a speedboat suspected of smuggling migrants. The chase turned dangerous as the smugglers’ vessel rammed the Coast Guard boat, injuring an officer. Two Turkish nationals were arrested, while 30 migrants were located and transferred to a reception center. Authorities are investigating the incident, highlighting the ongoing challenges of combating human trafficking in the Aegean Sea.
Azerbaijan has accused Russia of firing a surface-to-air missile that caused the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. The incident, which coincided with the temporary closure of multiple Russian airports, is under investigation. Survivors report GPS disruptions and denied emergency landings, raising questions about regional airspace security.
The Hellenic Coast Guard rescued 35 undocumented migrants from a speedboat near Samos, arresting a 26-year-old Afghan man identified as the smuggler. The migrants were transferred to a controlled facility, and an investigation into the trafficking operation is underway.
More than just decorations, the "karavakia" – small decorated boats – are a powerful symbol of Greek maritime heritage and the joy of Christmas. From their historical roots to their modern-day presence, these festive vessels tell a rich cultural story.
Eight migrants died and 18 were rescued after their speedboat capsized off the coast of Rhodes, Greece, while reportedly attempting to evade the Coast Guard. A search continues for any remaining missing persons.
The death toll of Pakistanis in the tragic Greece boat capsize has risen to 40, with many victims being minors and teenagers from Punjab province. The Pakistani government has launched an investigation and crackdown on human trafficking networks, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demands urgent action to prevent future tragedies.
Two more migrant bodies have been recovered following a tragic shipwreck near Gavdos island, raising the death toll to seven. The Greek Coast Guard continues search operations for over 30 missing individuals after a boat carrying 82 Pakistani nationals capsized last Friday amid rough seas.
Greek authorities have dismantled a criminal network trafficking Colombian women into Greece, where they were forced into sex work at strip clubs and apartments. The operation, active since 2019, led to the arrest of the ringleader and eight members. 29 victims have been rescued and provided with support, with two additional suspects still at large. The investigation was sparked by the testimony of one victim, leading to raids on the suspects' properties and the seizure of cash, weapons, and documents.
The trial for the 2021 murder of 21-year-old Faye Bakoyorgou in Kypseli has begun, revealing shocking testimony from her father about her tragic death and systemic failures in her protection. Three defendants, including her landlady, mother, and sister, face charges of murder, human trafficking, and abuse, as the court hears harrowing details of Faye’s exploitation and the brutal conditions leading to her death.
A U.N. expert has accused Greece of failing to identify and support victims of sex trafficking at a migrant centre on the island of Samos. Siobhán Mullally, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on trafficking, detailed systemic neglect, including cases of women showing clear signs of exploitation who received no adequate care. One victim, who gave birth at the centre, was forced to wear her labour-stained clothing for weeks. The allegations highlight broader concerns about Greece’s ability to address trafficking amid rising migrant arrivals.
A tragic shipwreck off the coast of Farmakonisi has led to the rescue of 19 migrants and the arrest of two suspected human traffickers. Unfortunately, one person remains missing. As authorities continue their investigation, the incident highlights the ongoing refugee crisis in the region.
A high-speed chase off the coast of Lesvos ended with the arrest of two Turkish nationals accused of smuggling 32 migrants. Hellenic Coast Guard vessels pursued the speedboat after it failed to respond to signals, eventually intercepting it and apprehending the smugglers and migrants.
Two Russian traffickers have been sentenced to a total of 380 years in prison and fined €3.8 million for smuggling 74 illegal immigrants into Greece. The migrants, including children, were discovered on a sailboat near Astypalaia in September 2023. The traffickers were found guilty of endangering lives and illegally transporting the migrants for profit. This significant ruling underscores Greece’s commitment to combating human trafficking in the Mediterranean.
A disturbing TikTok video posted by a coach driver has revealed the dangerous lengths migrants will go to in an attempt to enter Greece illegally. The footage, filmed in Istanbul, shows two individuals wedged in the luggage compartment of the coach, struggling to escape the cramped space. The driver notes that such incidents are becoming increasingly common, raising serious concerns about the pressures on the Greek-Turkish border and the need for enhanced border controls and regulations to ensure the safety of travelers.