Greek police using masked migrants to forcibly push other migrants back across border

Exposed: Greek Police Deploy Migrants as Unofficial Border Enforcers

Recent investigations by the BBC have uncovered evidence suggesting that Greek police are employing migrants as masked mercenaries to expel others across the border with Turkey. Internal police records reveal that senior officials have directed and monitored the recruitment of these individuals, who are then used to physically remove asylum seekers from the region. Witnesses have described instances of migrants being stripped, beaten, and even sexually assaulted during these operations.

The practice, known as pushbacks, involves forcibly returning migrants to their country of origin without due process. According to international law, such actions are generally considered illegal. The BBC has documented claims that this tactic has been used unofficially since 2020, with masked men allegedly orchestrating the removal of people at the border. These reports gained attention in 2022 when Lighthouse Reports, based in the Netherlands, highlighted the issue.

Collaborative Inquiry Unearths Widespread Concerns

Our investigation, partnered with the Consolidated Rescue Group, began last autumn after receiving video footage from a smuggler. The clip allegedly shows migrants being mistreated by mercenaries, prompting further scrutiny. While we have not confirmed the video’s authenticity, it aligns with accounts from other independent sources. Additional information has been gathered from former mercenaries, police personnel, and leaked transcripts, painting a broader picture of organized border control efforts.

The Evros region, bordering Turkey along the 200km Evros River, serves as a critical entry point for migrants. This area is heavily militarized, with watchtowers and restricted zones. A local police source confirmed that up to hundreds of individuals are pushed back weekly, noting that “no officer in Evros is unaware” of these activities. These mercenaries, often recruited from countries like Pakistan, Syria, and Afghanistan, are reportedly incentivized with stolen goods and documents enabling passage through Greece.

“There is no soldier, police officer or Frontex (EU border agency) officer serving here in Evros who does not know that pushbacks are taking place.”

Frontex Report Details Human Rights Violations

In a separate analysis, the Fundamental Rights Office, part of Frontex, reported an incident from June 22, 2023. Footage showed a group of migrants ambushed by masked individuals after crossing into Evros. The report concluded that between 10 and 20 third-country nationals were acting under Greek authorities’ orders, subjecting migrants to physical and verbal abuse, including death and rape threats, intrusive body searches, and theft of personal belongings. These actions violated EU human rights law, as migrants were forcibly transported back to Turkey.

Despite the findings, Greek authorities have disputed the presence of these migrants on the day of the incident. This dispute is part of a pattern, as the Fundamental Rights Office has investigated multiple cases of pushbacks involving foreign men over recent years. Maria Gavouneli, president of Greece’s human rights commission (GNCHR), described the evidence as potentially representing “extremely significant” rights abuses. The organization has documented over 100 alleged forced returns in Evros since 2020, with dozens involving non-Greek nationals as recently as October 2025.

Prime Minister Denies Awareness of the Practice

When questioned by the BBC in March, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated he was “totally unaware” of the allegations. However, he defended the country’s border management, emphasizing Greece’s efforts to protect its borders and prevent a “massive influx” of migrants. European leaders, he added, have made it clear they will not repeat past “mistakes” in handling asylum seekers.