Sharp rise in arrests of migrant smugglers in 2024

Authorities have reported a sharp increase in arrests of migrant smugglers, with over 200 individuals apprehended since the start of 2024.

According to Hellenic Coast Guard data, 228 smugglers have been detained in 11 months, a 53% increase compared to 2023.

Among those arrested, 113 are Egyptian nationals, a significant rise from 71 last year. Iranians rank second with 24 arrests, up from just three in 2023, followed by Azerbaijani and Afghan nationals, each with 14 detainees. Other nationalities apprehended include Moldovans (11), Greeks (7), and individuals from countries as far as Canada, Germany and Belgium.

Greek waters remain a critical transit route for migrant smuggling, with traffickers increasingly originating from neighboring and more distant nations. Officials attribute the increased number of arrests to heightened enforcement and cooperation...