Lesbos: Members of an NGO participated in a network of migrant smuggling: how they were located by the Hellenic police. and ΕΥΠ | HELLAS

After many months of investigation by the Mytilene Security Sub-Directorate, the action of an organized circuit was identified, which was systematically active in facilitating the illegal entry of foreigners into Greek territory, through the island of Lesbos.

According to an announcement by the Hellenic Police, the investigation was carried out in collaboration with the National Intelligence Service and with the assistance of the Antiterrorist Service, as well as the Directorates of Information Management and Analysis, Foreigners of Attica and Criminological Investigations.

The Department of Information Collection and Management of GE.PAD also participated. North Aegean, Lesbos Department of Immigration Management, on 9^the Regional Administration of the Coast Guard and Central Port Authority of Mytilene.

33 NGO members played an active role in the circuit

In the case, a criminal case was filed for the -in the case- the crimes of formation and affiliation to a criminal organization, espionage, violation of State secrets, as well as violations of the Migration Code.

According to the research data, the organized circuit involves a total of 35 foreigners and 33 specific members of four Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), active in immigration matters, as well as two third-country nationals.

Chronologically, the action of the organized circuit has been determined at least since the beginning of last June, in the form of providing substantial assistance to the organized circuits of illegal migrant smuggling.

Regarding their methodology of action (modus operandi) those involved, with under the pretext of humanitarian action, provided to refugee flows from Turkey, through closed groups and Internet applications, information and confidential information, such as:

• the meeting places on the Turkish coast and the start time of specific refugee flows to the island of Lesbos,
• the coordinates (longitude and latitude) of specific refugee flows and their direction at a specific time and place,
• the number of foreigners on board ships from third countries, as well as the prevailing situation during the voyage of the ships,
• your final destination (sunbathing area),
• details for accommodation at KYT in Moria de Lesbos.

Furthermore, through the extensive use of a specific telephone connection application, which is related to the activation of rescue operations, they hampered the operational work of the Greek Coast Guard vessels, at a time when migratory flows were evolving.

From the research data so far, it appears that the organized circuit facilitated – with the methodology mentioned above – the movement to the island of Lesbos of a large number of third-country nationals, in at least (32) cases ( completed and attempted).

An investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the criminal organization’s illegal activity and its links.