Migrant trafficking ring from Turkiye to Kos dismantled by Port Authority

Port Authority officials, assisted by the National Intelligence Service (EYP), dismantled a human trafficking ring bringing illegal migrants from Turkiye to Greece through Kos island, it was announced on Monday.

A sweep on Kos and in Attica led to the arrest of one of the two ring leaders, a Greek of Georgian descent, 44, who was jailed after testifying before an investigator.

The other ring leader, of Turkish nationality, is being sought on an arrest warrant issued by the Kos prosecutor's office.

The two ring leaders were assisted by at least another 12 individuals in Turkiye. The two found transportation means in Greece and Turkiye, housed the migrants there before travelling to Greee, and coordinated the entire operation.

The human trafficking ring was discovered after a yacht carrying 74 foreigners was located at Profitis Zacharias on Kos on March 15, and the arrest and questioning of a man, 25, who piloted the yacht and was identified as member of a criminal ring.

Shipping Min congratulations

Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy Vassilis Kikilis praised the great success of the Port Authority's dismantling of a migrant trafficking ring with the help of the National Intelligence Service (EYP) announced on Monday.

Kilikias noted that "the guarding of the borders and the fight against illegal trafficking rings are issues of national security and human rights."

The ring operated between Turkiye and Kos island. One of its ring leaders has been arrested, while the other is being sought. Twelve more individuals are believed to be involved in Turkiye.
 

(File photo)