Greek authorities arrested two foreign nationals in Kato Patisia, Athens, on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, for running a criminal operation that forged passports, identity cards, residence permits, driver’s licenses, and other travel documents. The group allegedly facilitated illegal migration to European Union member states.
A Sophisticated Forgery Network
According to the Hellenic Police (ELAS), the suspects—aged 44 and 46—were apprehended following an investigation by the Migration Management Department of the Attica Aliens Directorate. They are accused of forming a criminal syndicate, large-scale forgery exceeding €120,000, committing crimes as part of an ongoing pattern, and possessing travel documents belonging to third parties.
The operation began in early 2025. The group used a health-related business premises in Kato Patisia as a front for meetings with migrant smuggling networks and for receiving orders. A nearby residence housed a fully equipped forgery laboratory.
During the police raid, officers caught the 44-year-old suspect exiting the illegal lab with five ready-to-issue counterfeit ID cards. Shortly afterward, the 46-year-old was arrested at the front business location.
Massive Seizure of Forged Documents and Equipment
Searches conducted in the presence of a judicial officer led to the seizure of:
- 243 identity cards from various European countries
- 46 passports
- 12 residence permits
- 12 driver’s licenses
- 9 entry visas
- Passport pages and blank document stock
- Forgery equipment, computers, printers, storage devices, and raw materials for document production
Analysis revealed the lab used specialized software and had the capacity for high-volume, high-quality production of forged travel documents. Investigators also found over 300 digital templates for official documents issued by multiple countries.
Profit and EU-Wide Cooperation
Pricing varied: €150 for asylum seeker ID cards or driver’s licenses, up to €900 for passports. Authorities estimate the group’s total illicit earnings exceeded €200,000.
The operation formed part of Greece’s National Operational Plan and the EU’s EMPACT 2.2 EASTMED initiative—a coordinated effort targeting organized crime in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Both suspects were transferred to the competent Public Prosecutor’s Office for further legal proceedings.