Greece’s Border Security: Migrants Used as Mercenaries in Pushbacks
According to a comprehensive investigation by the BBC, Greek law enforcement officials have reportedly enlisted migrants to physically expel others across the land border with Turkey. This revelation emerged from a trove of internal documents, which detail how senior officers authorized the recruitment of so-called mercenaries. The findings suggest a systematic approach to border control, where migrants are coerced into participating in forced returns.
Brutality and Unverified Claims
Witnesses have described instances of severe mistreatment, including stripping, theft, and sexual assault, during these operations. While the BBC has not confirmed the authenticity of the footage, it aligns with accounts from multiple independent sources. The collaboration with the Consolidated Rescue Group (CRG) began in autumn 2023, after receiving videos allegedly depicting abuse by masked individuals.
“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,” stated a local police source.
Operation Along the Evros Frontier
The border crossing spans 200 kilometers along the Evros River, marking the EU’s eastern edge. Migrants entering Greece through this area are subjected to a militarized zone featuring watchtowers. Our research indicates that hundreds of people are returned to Turkey weekly, with mercenaries often rewarded through cash, mobile devices, and documents seized from those being pushed back.
Frontex Report and Legal Violations
A Frontex investigation into a June 2023 incident uncovered footage of migrants ambushed by masked figures. The report identified 10 to 20 “third-country nationals” as having followed instructions from Greek officers. These individuals subjected asylum seekers to physical abuse, verbal threats, and sexualized searches, violating EU human rights standards. Despite the findings, Greek authorities claim no migrants from this group were present on the day in question.
Human Rights Concerns
Maria Gavouneli, head of Greece’s human rights commission (GNCHR), warns that the situation may constitute a major breach of rights. The organization documented over 100 alleged forced returns in Evros since 2020, with cases persisting into October 2025. The prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, acknowledged in March that he was unaware of the claims but emphasized Greece’s efforts to secure its borders.
Frontex has dismissed suggestions of widespread abuse, though the BBC’s evidence raises critical questions about the legality of these practices. The government’s silence on detailed written inquiries adds to the controversy surrounding the issue.
