Five foreign nationals – from Bangladesh and Syria – were arrested in central Athens this week for running what Greek authorities described as a “cottage industry” specializing in the production of fake travel and ID documents as part of a migrant trafficking ring.

Another two suspects have been identified and are sought on multiple felony counts.

A police investigation, code-named “Illuminati”, which commenced in 2024 identified two “forgery hubs” housed in the west Athens district of Peristeri and inner-city Athens, respectively, with each potential “client” charged up to 8,000 euros for forged documents and subsequent air travel to other European destinations via the Athens International Airport.

Police said two small mini markets acted as “fronts” to attract undocumented migrants seeking such forgeries and as “hand-off” points.

Besides high-end computers, printers, cutting boards and laminators found at the scene, authorities confiscated 85 fake IDs, two passports, five asylum ID, five drivers licenses, three consular visas and hundreds of blank cards, among others. A small amount of cannabis and some 3,800 euros were also seized.

The criminal activity is estimated to have netted more than 120,000 euros since last year.