Human trafficking is the world's second most profitable illicit activity, generating an estimated 236 billion dollars annually from forced labour alone, according to the Greek government, marking World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.

The government is adopting a hardline stance on illegal immigration using the “Evros formula,” in an effort to prevent the consolidation of a new route controlled by smuggling networks that targets Crete and Gavdos. This decision comes in light of the sheer number of several million civil war refugees from Sudan, migrants from the Sahel, and Egyptians fleeing economic turmoil—numbers that pose a nightmare scenario.

A major operation to dismantle a human trafficking and document forgery ring has been underway since early morning by the Hellenic Police (ELAS).