Greek police have dismantled a criminal network accused of trafficking women from Latin America for sexual and financial exploitation through a purported dating agency operating in Athens.
Three alleged members of the group, including its suspected leader, and a female accomplice were arrested during a coordinated police operation in the capital on Wednesday and Thursday. The investigation was supported by the anti-trafficking NGOs Our Rescue and A21.
The suspects include a 26-year-old Greek national, two foreign nationals aged 27 and 19, and a 31-year-old foreign woman. They face charges including participation in a criminal organization, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, pimping and drug-related offenses.
The case began after a trafficking victim contacted emergency services. Following an investigation by the police anti-human trafficking unit, authorities concluded that the group allegedly recruited vulnerable women from Latin America using deceptive promises, brought them to Greece, and exploited them in prostitution.
According to police, the suspects imposed debts on the women, monitored their movements and income, withheld travel documents, and used drug dependency as a means of control. Sexual services were reportedly arranged through a website-linked dating office, with women transported to hotels and private residences across the wider Athens area.
