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

Greek Police Using Migrants as Mercenaries for Border Pushbacks

Greek authorities have reportedly enlisted migrants to serve as agents in forcibly returning others across the land border with Turkey, according to evidence compiled by the BBC. Internal police records reveal that the deployment of these so-called mercenaries was authorized and supervised by high-ranking officers. Witnesses allege that migrants are subjected to physical abuse, including strip searches, theft, and sexual assault, while being pushed back.

The practice of using masked individuals from outside Greece as part of border operations is said to have begun unofficially since at least 2020. Despite this, the prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told the BBC he was “totally unaware” of the allegations, and the country’s officials have yet to respond to detailed written inquiries. Pushbacks, which involve expelling asylum seekers without due process, are generally deemed unlawful under international law.

Collaborative Investigation Reveals Patterns

A joint investigation with the Consolidated Rescue Group (CRG) began last autumn, following the receipt of disturbing video footage allegedly depicting mistreatment by mercenaries. The video, shared by a smuggler disillusioned with his network, shows migrants ambushed after crossing into Evros. While the content hasn’t been fully verified, it aligns with accounts from other independent sources.

Evros, a 200km stretch along the Evros River, serves as the EU’s eastern boundary. Migrants entering this region are placed in a militarized zone with watchtowers. A local police source confirmed that hundreds of people are pushed back weekly, with no officer in the area unaware of the practice. The mercenaries, often from Pakistan, Syria, or Afghanistan, are said to receive cash, stolen phones, and documents granting passage through Greece.

Incident in June 2023 Sparks Concern

In June 2023, the BBC was shown footage of a group of migrants ambushed by masked men after crossing into Evros. A Frontex investigation into the event found that between 10 and 20 “third-country nationals” were acting under Greek officers’ instructions. These individuals reportedly subjected migrants to verbal abuse, sexualized body searches, and physical violence, including beatings and theft. The migrants were then transported back to Turkey, violating EU human rights law.

Human Rights Commission Highlights Widespread Abuse

Maria Gavouneli, president of Greece’s human rights commission (GNCHR), called the findings “extremely significant” evidence of rights violations. The commission has documented over 100 alleged forced returns in Evros since 2020, with a decline in cases but ongoing reports of non-Greek nationals involved. Recent incidents, such as those in October 2025, suggest the practice remains active.

Frontex Denies Involvement

Frontex, the EU border agency, has denied any role in the alleged pushbacks, stating that the mercenaries were acting independently. However, the Fundamental Rights Office, an independent investigator within Frontex, has issued multiple reports on the issue over recent years. These documents highlight systemic abuses, including threats of death and rape, and the use of force to return migrants to Turkey.