Human trafficking and forced begging ring uncovered in Athens

Romanian citizens begging successful Athens. Photo: Greek Police

ATHENS. Greek constabulary carried retired an cognition to dismantle a transgression enactment progressive successful quality trafficking and forced begging.

As reported successful ΕΛ.ΑΣ. (Greek police), the cognition took spot connected January 3, 2026 with the information of the anti-trafficking unit and with the support of the American work HSI.

During the raids, three cardinal members of the radical were detained, and 7 much radical are progressive successful the case.

Victims and accusations

Law enforcement officers released 12 victimsthat person been exploited.

Charges person been brought against the radical members under a fig of superior charges:

• creation of a transgression organization;
• human trafficking;
• exploitation done begging;
• harm to vulnerable people;
• illegal retention of documents.

Operation scheme

According to the investigation, the radical had been operating since astatine slightest 2021 and purposefully recruited Romanian citizens successful hard socio-economic situations.

The strategy included respective stages:

• Recruitment: the victims were promised ineligible and well-paid jobs successful operation oregon successful enterprises;
• Control: they were transported to Greece, housed successful overcrowded apartments successful the halfway of Athens, and had their documents confiscated;
• Pressure: fictitious “debts” were created and accompanied by threats;
• Operation: radical were forced to spend hours begging astatine engaged intersections under changeless surveillance.

Seized materials

During the searches, the constabulary seized astir 4,876 eurosincluding a important fig of coins, arsenic well as:

• mobile phones;
• money transfer receipts;
• accounts;
• three vehicles used to transport the victims.

Help for victims

Those released were provided with assistance with the information of specialized non-governmental organizations.

Editorial comment

Cases similar this amusement that forced begging is not a “social phenomenon” but portion of organized crime.

Behind the seemingly acquainted representation of street beggars there is often a system of control, indebtedness and pressure, where radical are really deprived of state of choice.

And that is why such operations are important not so overmuch from the constituent of view of statistics, but from the constituent of view of the demolition of the exploitation schemes themselves.

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