Greek police (ELAS) has announced the dismantling of a criminal organization involved in the trafficking and labor exploitation of foreign nationals, including begging.
Following a coordinated operation on the morning of Tuesday, January 3, 2026, the Human Trafficking Division, supported by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), arrested three high-ranking members of the group in Athens. Twelve victims were rescued during the operation.
The case file includes an additional seven members charged with criminal organization, human trafficking, exploitation of begging, bodily harm to vulnerable persons, and the unlawful possession of third-party travel documents.
How the criminal group operated
Active since at least 2021, the organization targeted vulnerable Romanian nationals facing severe economic hardship or social limitations. The group operated as follows:
- Recruitment: Victims were lured with false promises of legal, high-paying jobs in construction or factories, or the prospect of high earnings through begging.
- Control: The organization managed the victims’ transport to Greece and housed them in crowded apartments in central Athens. In many cases, their identity documents were confiscated.
- Coercion: Members enforced compliance through threats and the fabrication of “debts” owed to the organization.
- Exploitation: Victims were forced into long hours of begging at traffic lights and busy locations across Attica under constant surveillance.
During the raids, authorities seized approximately €4,876 (including a large volume of coins), money transfer receipts, mobile phones, ledgers, and three vehicles used to transport victims.
In collaboration with specialized NGOs, protection and assistance have been provided to the 12 rescued Romanian nationals.
