In a raid conducted late Wednesday evening (March 9, 2026) in central Thessaloniki, Greek police discovered nine undocumented Afghan migrants concealed in the attic of a barber shop. The operation was carried out by officers from the Migration Management Department of the Thessaloniki Aliens Directorate.
Arrests and Investigation
Among those arrested were four foreign nationals, including the 27-year-old Lebanese owner of the establishment. An 18-year-old Syrian national was also detained inside the shop; authorities say he was tasked with guarding the group. A 26-year-old compatriot of his — reportedly responsible for managing the premises — was later arrested following further police inquiries. A 23-year-old Romanian man was identified and apprehended by officers from the Orestiada Sub-Directorate for Crime Suppression and Investigation; he is suspected of transporting the migrants earlier that day in a van from the Evros region.
Charges and Next Steps
All four suspects face charges related to facilitating illegal immigration and providing unlawful accommodation. A formal case file has been compiled, and they are expected to appear before the Thessaloniki Misdemeanor Prosecutor.