Greece’s Law Enforcement Using Migrants as Mercenaries for Border Pushbacks
Evidence of Mercenary Use
The BBC has uncovered extensive documentation indicating that Greek police are employing migrants as violent enforcers to repel others crossing into the country from Turkey. Internal police records describe how officers directed the hiring of so-called mercenaries, often operating under the radar. These individuals, reportedly masked, have been accused of participating in pushbacks—forcibly returning asylum seekers to Turkey without proper legal procedures.
Prime Minister’s Unawareness
Despite the mounting evidence, the Greek prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, claimed to the BBC that he was “totally unaware” of the allegations. The government has yet to respond to detailed written inquiries from the BBC. Pushbacks are generally deemed unlawful under international law, as they bypass due process for migrants.
Collaborative Investigation
Our research, conducted in partnership with the Consolidated Rescue Group, began last autumn after receiving disturbing footage allegedly showing migrants being mistreated by mercenaries. The video was provided by a smuggler who alleged dissatisfaction with his network. While we cannot confirm the footage’s authenticity, it aligns with accounts from multiple independent sources.
Border Dynamics
Greece’s land border with Turkey spans 200km along the Evros River, forming the EU’s outermost frontier. Migrants entering this region are directed into a militarized zone with watchtowers. A local police official revealed that mercenaries are regularly deployed to repel hundreds of individuals weekly, with widespread knowledge among personnel.
Mercenaries’ Background and Incentives
The recruits are themselves migrants from countries such as Pakistan, Syria, and Afghanistan. They reportedly receive cash, stolen phones, and documents enabling passage through Greece as rewards for their actions. This system, according to leaked transcripts and official records, operates covertly, blurring the line between law enforcement and exploitation.
2023 Incident and Frontex Report
Footage from June 2023 depicted a group of migrants ambushed by masked figures after crossing into Evros. A Frontex-backed report found that 10 to 20 “third-country nationals” acted under Greek officers’ orders, subjecting individuals to threats, body searches, and physical assaults. The migrants were then forcibly returned to Turkey, violating EU human rights standards.
Denial and Ongoing Concerns
Greek authorities have disputed the claim that any of these migrants were present in the area on the day of the incident. Nonetheless, the Fundamental Rights Office, an independent Frontex unit, has documented over 100 suspected forced returns in Evros since 2020. While the number has decreased, recent cases still involve non-Greek nationals, including those in October 2025.
Human Rights Implications
According to Maria Gavouneli, president of Greece’s human rights commission, the findings could signal a “significant” breach of rights. The organization has noted persistent reports of abuse, raising questions about the scale of the operation and its legal justification.
“There is no soldier, police officer or Frontex agent in Evros who does not know pushbacks are happening,” said a regional police source.
Context and Political Stance
In March, Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s border protection efforts, stating European leaders would avoid repeating past errors of allowing a “massive influx” of migrants. However, the use of masked mercenaries remains a contentious issue, with evidence pointing to systematic human rights violations at the EU’s easternmost edge.
