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.
Tag: illegal immigration
Greek authorities have launched a major crackdown on the Turkish mafia, resulting in eight arrests, the seizure of 49 weapons, and additional charges being filed against eight individuals. The operation, targeting criminal networks involved in drug and arms trafficking and illegal migration, follows a series of violent incidents, including a fatal shooting in Ano Glyfada. Police are investigating links to other recent crimes as they work to dismantle five major Turkish criminal organisations operating in Greece and across Europe.
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.
Cyprus is witnessing a sharp decline in illegal immigration following a series of stringent measures implemented by the government earlier this year, including stricter asylum policies, intensified border security, and a crackdown on employers hiring undocumented workers.
Migrant Boat Capsizes off French Coast, Killing at Least Eight
Greek authorities have successfully rescued nearly 150 migrants attempting to reach the country by sea over a 24-hour period. In one of the largest single boatloads of recent months, 115 people were crammed into a vessel that was found in distress off the island of Lesvos.
Athens, Greece – A significant blow has been dealt to migrant smuggling operations in Greece…
The two Egyptians were arrested in January for smuggling 40 migrants, including five minors, in…
According to preliminary figures collected by Frontex, the total number of illegal border-crossings in 2021…
Greece is on high alert following the collapse of Afghanistan to the Taliban with the…
Greek intelligence services arrested three Turkish nationals with possession of counterfeit Interpol IDs for human…
Police detained a Dutch TV crew after they entered a restricted area of the Greek-Turkish…
The Defence Ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Egypt met in Nicosia on Wednesday to discuss…
Police continue to crackdown on criminal activity in downtown Athens. According to Greece's Citizen Protection…
Greece and Italy signed a historic agreement on Wednesday that demarcates the Exclusive Economic Zones…
An agreement was signed to delimit the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Greece and Italy,…