A 14-year-old from South Sudan has been arrested in connection with the smuggling of 43 migrants from Libya to the Greek island of Gavdos, Greek port authorities said.
The teenager was identified by the other passengers as the person who transported them by boat from Tobruk, Libya, to Greece in exchange for payment.
The case came to light after Greek authorities found and rescued 43 foreign nationals — 42 men and one woman — in the Kamarélles area of Gavdos early Tuesday, September 1.
A patrol vessel operated by the Hellenic Coast Guard participated in the operation with assistance from two private vessels.
Migrants transferred to temporary accommodation
The 43 migrants were initially taken to a temporary accommodation facility operated by the Municipality of Gavdos.
They were later transported by a Coast Guard patrol vessel to the port of Chora Sfakion on Crete and subsequently taken to a temporary accommodation facility in Agia, Chania.
During the preliminary investigation conducted by the Central Port Authority of Chania, the 14-year-old was identified by the other passengers as their smuggler, according to a Coast Guard statement.
Charges filed against the minor
A case file is being prepared against the 14-year-old for violations of Greek legislation concerning illegal entry into the country and facilitating illegal entry, as well as the offense of exposing others to danger.
The preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Central Port Authority of Chania.
