Illegal migrants intercepted off Leros, Evros

The coast guard intercepted a migrant smuggler and 68 illegal migrants (30 men, 17 women and 21 children) on board a vessel off the eastern Aegean island of Leros on Wednesday. The migrant-laden vessel had originated from the Turkish coast.

The vessel was spotted by two coast guard patrol vessels while sailing in Greek territorial waters.

Meanwhile, five illegal migrants, all Georgian nationals, were arrested by local police and Frontex officers in the northeast prefecture of Evros.

The suspects, who are facing charges for break-ins and burglaries, were spotted in the region of Lagina in possession of travel bags containing stolen jewellery and burglary tools.

 

Under questioning, the suspects told police that they had crossed into Greece from Turkey Greek on Nov. 25 and 26.