The Sub-Directorate for Combating Human and Goods Trafficking, under the Directorate for Organised Crime, has dismantled a criminal organisation involved in the trafficking of foreign women for sexual exploitation.
As part of a coordinated police operation conducted yesterday morning, nine members of the organisation, including its leader, were arrested. The operation was supported by officers from OPKE, the specialised NGOs OUR GREECE and A21, as well as inspectors from the Labour Inspectorate.
An additional two individuals were included in the case file, which charges the suspects with offences including human trafficking, sexual exploitation, pimping, and violations of laws on possession of third-party travel documents and firearms.
Organised criminal operation
According to the police investigation, the accused had established a structured criminal organisation operating since October 2019. The group used deceptive and coercive methods to bring foreign women to Greece for the purpose of systematic economic and sexual exploitation.
The investigation revealed that the suspects targeted vulnerable women, persuading them to travel to Greece with promises of legitimate employment as dancers in nightclubs in Athens, offering high financial rewards.
Once in Greece, the organisation arranged the women’s travel documents and accommodated them in at least six apartments in the Attica region. Using psychological pressure and demanding repayment of exorbitant debts supposedly incurred during their transportation, the women were forced into prostitution, either in the apartments or in two nightclubs in Attica.
Evidence and findings
During the operation, authorities discovered and confiscated:
- A large number of documents and handwritten notes
- Cash counters and money storage boxes
- Surveillance cameras and recording equipment
- A rifle magazine, knives, a retractable metal baton
- €29,000 in cash
Victim support and Labour Law violations
A total of 29 women were identified and provided with assistance and protection in collaboration with the specialised NGOs involved.
Labour inspectors also imposed fines totalling €281,000 for violations involving 47 unregistered or irregular workers.
Legal proceedings
The arrested individuals were referred to the competent prosecutor’s office for further legal action.
Also read: Kolonos: 11 guilty in child prostitution case
Source: ANA-MPA
