Greek authorities this week arrested a Syrian man in Athens on a variety of charges linked with a migrant smuggling ring that allegedly used luxury yachts – and fake onboard “parties as “cover” – to ferry third country nationals from Turkey to at least two cosmopolitan isles in the Aegean, such as Mykonos and Santorini.
The arrested man was described as the “mastermind” behind the ring.
The third country nationals would then be transferred to the mainland via regular ferry boat routes, temporarily hosted at “safe houses” in the greater Athens area then be provided forged travel docs in order to fly to west European destinations.
The suspect in question had been in Greece since 202 and was wanted on a European arrest warrant.
At the same time, conflicted media reports on Monday had the man both “under surveillance” by Greek intelligence agency and coast guard, but also linked with information gathering on migrant smuggling rings.
The 38-year-old reportedly promised well-heeled Syrians passage to Europe via a “luxury” transport. Parties organized aboard the yachts, replete with hired models, were conducted to deceive authorities.
The suspect was ostensibly unemployed but lived in a southern Athens villa and maintained an extravagant lifestyle.
