Over 3,300 illegal immigrants entered Greece in June and July, 117 human traffickers arrested

Illegal immigrants mostly entered Greece by sea in June and July, whilst 117 human traffickers were identified and arrested. Over the course of 171 recorded incidents, the Greek Coast Guard rescued more than 3,300 illegal immigrants in the Aegean Sea in June and July. One hundred seventeen traffickers were identified and arrested, and 60 boats were confiscated.

From June 2023 to June 2024, 58,582 entries were recorded, compared to about 21,000 in the same period last year, marking an enormous increase. According to Greek authorities, migrants pay 4,500 euros per person to human traffickers.

From June 2023, migration flows gradually increased. Within three months, flows increased sevenfold, and September 2023 was the month with the most arrivals and rescues.

With immediate action, the Hellenic Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy began activating connections and contacts with the Turkish Coast Guard in September 2023. The contacts resulted in the gradual containment and reduction of flows.

In January 2024, Maritime Affairs Minister Christos Stylianides and his Turkish counterpart met in Ankara. During the meeting, they discussed the general cooperation of the Greek and Turkish Coast Guards, particularly in exchanging information on criminal networks.

In accordance with the Confidence Building Measures, it was agreed, among other things, to reactivate the communication channel between the Greek and Turkish Coast Guards to exchange information and Turkey’s immediate actions on illegal immigration.

From September 2023 until April 2024, the Coast Guard arrested 330 traffickers and seized 130 boats with which they tried to transport illegal immigrants to Greece.