6 members of the organization were arrested, including the leader, while 10 women were located and rescued
Criminal organization trafficking and sexually exploiting women from Latin America has been dismantled by the Organized Crime and Human Trafficking Directorate.
During the business 6 members of the organization were arrestedincluding the chief while they were also detected 10 women were rescued.
Furthermore, during the checks in 6 brothels in the center of Athens, 4 women were also arrestedfor offenses related to their operation.
The 10 women – victims of the organization – were given help and protection while they were taken to hostelsuntil their repatriation is completed, at their request.
The dismantling of the criminal organization took place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 2, 2023, in an operation with the assistance and presence of EUROPOL, representatives of the National Police of Spain, the Internal Security Service of the USA. (US Embassy in Athens, HSI – Homeland Security Investigations), as well as the M.K.O. “OUR GREECE” and “A21”, specialized in helping and protecting victims of human trafficking.
A case file was filed against those arrested for – as the case may be – criminal organization, human trafficking, violation of seals set by the Authority and for money laundering.
The arrested were taken to the competent Prosecutor, while the investigations in cooperation with foreign authorities continue.
How did the organization work?
As it emerged from the systematic and thorough investigation, the 6 arrested together with at least 3 other people, had set up a criminal organization, with distinct roles in carrying out the financial and sexual exploitation of foreign women.
The police managed to dismantle the ring after locating and rescuing a woman, a victim of the criminal organization, who had been persuaded to travel to Greece from Venezuela and with use of psychological violence and a pretext for paying off an exorbitant debtthey forced her to be sent to brothels.
To achieve their goal, they operated with a specific methodology:
– a member of the organization took over detection and the recruitment foreign women, who were primarily in a vulnerable social and economic position,
– women were approached through online applications and by the use of fraudulent means, which involved finding a legal job, with high monetary rewards and very good living conditions, were persuaded to travel to Greece,
– the female candidates were asked to send photos in order to be “approved” in appearance by the leading member of the organization as well as a photo from their travel document,
– the other members of the criminal group took care of the operation of the brothels and the receipt and supervision of those extradited, as well as the withholding and delivery of the proceeds,
– the lead member subsequently laundered the illegal income through participation in investment companies and the provision of accommodation services.
From the investigations carried out, the following were found and seized:
· -6,382- euros,
· surveillance cameras and recorders,
· dozens of electronic devices and
· a number of documents and handwritten notes regarding the operation of brothels and money laundering.
Source: Skai
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