Greek Police Using Migrants as Mercenaries to Push Others Back Across Border

Recent evidence gathered by the BBC indicates that Greek law enforcement has been employing migrants as informal agents to forcibly return others to Turkey, according to findings shared with the public. Internal documents from the police reveal that senior officers directed and supervised the recruitment of so-called mercenaries, as detailed by guards in the files. These reports include claims of physical abuse, with migrants reportedly being stripped, beaten, robbed, and subjected to sexual assault.

Allegations of Brutality

Witnesses have recounted incidents where individuals crossing the border were mistreated by masked figures, allegedly acting on behalf of Greek authorities. These accounts suggest that pushbacks—defined as the illegal expulsion of asylum seekers without proper legal procedures—are being conducted with a level of systematic violence. The practice is said to have been in place since at least 2020, with mercenaries reportedly operating covertly.

Merchants of Forced Returns

Documents and testimonies collected by the BBC, in partnership with the Consolidated Rescue Group (CRG), detail how migrants from regions such as Pakistan, Syria, and Afghanistan are recruited to assist in border operations. These individuals are allegedly incentivized with cash, stolen mobile devices, and forged documents that facilitate passage through Greece. A video shared by a smuggler in autumn 2023, depicting an ambush of migrants in Evros, further supports these claims, though its authenticity remains unverified.

Frontex’s Report on the Incident

Footage from June 2023 shows a group of migrants attempting to claim asylum in Evros being attacked by masked individuals. A Frontex-affiliated investigator, the Fundamental Rights Office, reported that 10 to 20 “third-country nationals” were acting under Greek officers’ instructions during the event. The investigation noted physical and verbal abuse, including death threats, sexualized body searches, and theft, all occurring in violation of EU human rights standards.

Human Rights Commission’s Concerns

According to Maria Gavouneli, president of Greece’s human rights commission (GNCHR), the findings may represent a “extremely significant” breach of rights. The commission has documented over 100 alleged forced returns in Evros since 2020, with cases continuing into October 2025. While the number of incidents has decreased, many still involve non-Greek nationals. The Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, admitted in March that he was unaware of the specific allegations but emphasized Greece’s efforts to secure its borders and prevent a repeat of past migration challenges.

“There is no soldier, police officer, or Frontex agent in Evros who does not know pushbacks are happening,” said a regional police source.

Frontex’s Stance

Frontex has dismissed allegations of organized pushbacks, though it has acknowledged the presence of masked individuals at the border. The agency’s position contrasts with the BBC’s investigation, which highlights coordinated efforts by Greek authorities and external actors to expedite deportations. Despite the evidence, Greece’s officials have yet to formally respond to detailed inquiries from the BBC.