24-year-old Iranian trafficker arrested in Samos – 19 migrants on land
Port authorities in Samos arrested a 24-year-old Iranian trafficker following a speedboat pursuit. Nineteen migrants were found on dry land, having paid 5,000 euros each.
Pursuit in Samos: Iranian trafficker arrested after speedboat ran aground
A 24-year-old Iranian national was arrested by port authorities in Samos in the early morning hours following a chase of a speedboat allegedly transporting irregular migrants from Turkish shores. According to ERT, the incident began when a patrol vessel of the Port Authority – Hellenic Coast Guard, during a scheduled patrol, spotted the speedboat moving at high speed towards the northeastern coasts of the island.
The patrol crew used light and sound signals to force the speedboat to stop, but the operator did not comply. The 24-year-old steered towards the southern shores of the "Praso" cape, disembarked the passengers and subsequently attempted to flee towards Turkish waters. The patrol vessel pursued him again, resulting in the speedboat running aground at a rocky point near the "Mourtia" shore. With the assistance of a fishing vessel, the port authority crew approached the grounded boat and immobilised the operator.
At the same time, officers from the Police Directorate of Samos located 19 migrants in the broader land area – 17 men, one woman and a minor. All were transferred to the Closed Controlled Facility in Samos. According to their statements, they had paid 5,000 euros each to a trafficking network for their transportation to Greece.
The Port Authority of Samos, which is conducting the preliminary investigation, brought charges against the 24-year-old for violations of legislation concerning illegal trafficking and entry into the country, as well as for disobedience and endangerment. The others identified him as their operator and alleged trafficker. At the time of arrest, two mobile phones found in his possession were seized.
Source: ERT