Fully Equipped Fake Documents Lab Uncovered in Kallithea – Migrants Priced at €800 Each

A fully equipped laboratory for producing counterfeit travel documents was discovered in Kallithea. Two arrests were made for involvement in illegal activities. During an investigation by the Migration Management Department of the Attica Aliens Directorate on June 23rd in Kallithea, two foreigners aged 31 and 19 were arrested, accused of forming a criminal organization, forgery, and possession of others’ travel documents. Additionally, the 31-year-old is charged with violating drug laws. According to EL.AS., after proper use of information and cooperation with EUROPOL, it was found that both were part of an organized network creating and trading fake travel documents intended for illegal migrant movement within EU countries, mainly via air travel. The network approached migrants entering illegally from Turkey to Rhodes, promoted them from Rhodes to Athens, and then onwards to other EU countries using flights after obtaining counterfeit travel documents. To achieve this, the 31-year-old, with the help of the 19-year-old, operated a complete document forgery lab in Kallithea equipped with specialized printing and engraving equipment. Investigations revealed that the 31-year-old had been active since 2022 in forging and trading travel documents, with German authorities seizing a package containing a fake driver’s license linked to him in 2022. To avoid detection, he installed the lab in a house room and accepted orders through online communication apps and social media. Payments included €4,800 per migrant for illegal promotion from Turkey to Rhodes, €1,200 from Rhodes to Athens, and €800 for each forged travel document. Authorities located the suspects in Kallithea and during searches of their homes, they seized a fully equipped forgery lab, numerous counterfeit documents, raw materials, a small amount of cannabis, €900, and two mobile phones. The case falls under the National Operational Plan (N.O.P.) and the EMPACT EAST MED 2.2 operational action led by Greece as part of the European Union policy cycle. The Aliens Directorate continues collaboration with EUROPOL to uncover all aspects of the international network. The suspects were handed over to the competent prosecutor.