Greek police using masked migrants to forcibly push other migrants back across border
Greek police using masked migrants as mercenaries to push others back across border
The BBC has uncovered extensive evidence suggesting Greece’s law enforcement has enlisted migrants to forcibly return others to Turkey, according to recent findings. Internal police documents reveal that senior officers ordered and supervised the recruitment of these so-called mercenaries. Witnesses report instances of migrants being stripped, robbed, beaten, and even sexually assaulted during these operations.
Prime Minister’s Denial
When questioned by the BBC, the Greek prime minister stated he was “totally unaware” of the allegations involving the use of migrants for pushbacks. Despite this, he emphasized that Greece was safeguarding its borders and highlighted European leaders’ resolve to avoid past errors of allowing a “massive influx” of migrants and refugees.
Investigation Details
The BBC’s investigation, conducted in partnership with the Consolidated Rescue Group (CRG), began in autumn 2024. It was prompted by a disturbing video shared by a smuggler, who alleged that his associates were mistreating migrants. While the content of the footage remains unverified, it aligns with accounts from other independent sources.
Our research indicates that Greece has recorded over a million migrant arrivals since 2015, primarily via sea crossings but also along its land border with Turkey. This 200km stretch along the Evros River forms the EU’s outer edge, separating Greece’s Evros region from Turkey’s East Thrace. Refugees crossing into Greece enter a heavily militarized area with watchtowers.
Mercenaries and Their Role
Police sources in the region confirm that mercenaries, themselves migrants from countries like Pakistan, Syria, and Afghanistan, are used to repel hundreds of individuals weekly. These individuals are allegedly rewarded with cash, mobile phones taken from others, and documents enabling passage through Greece.
In June 2023, footage showed a group of migrants, who had just entered Evros, being ambushed by masked men. A Frontex-backed report found that between 10 and 20 “third-country nationals” were acting under Greek officers’ instructions. These mercenaries subjected migrants to physical and verbal abuse, including “death and rape threats,” intrusive body searches, and theft of personal belongings.
“There is no soldier, police officer or Frontex (EU border agency) officer serving here in Evros who does not know that pushbacks are taking place,” said a local police source.
The Fundamental Rights Office, an independent Frontex investigator, has compiled multiple reports over recent years, detailing similar pushback incidents. Maria Gavouneli, head of Greece’s human rights commission (GNCHR), claims these findings represent a “extremely significant” breach of human rights. The organization has documented over 100 alleged forced returns in Evros since 2020, with dozens occurring as recently as October 2025.
Frontex’s Response
Frontex has denied any suggestion of involvement in the pushbacks, though the BBC’s evidence challenges this. The organization’s reports suggest a pattern of abuse involving masked foreign men, raising questions about compliance with international human rights standards.