What locations were checked during the Athens operation?
Officers from the Department for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings focused on five brothels and one premises operating under the guise of a massage service. A separate entertainment venue was also visited, though no violations linked to the operation were identified there. The sites had been sealed multiple times following decisions by the Municipality of Athens. All checks occurred during the evening hours of 18 September 2026 under the authority of the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime.
Who was arrested and on what grounds?
Twenty-five women were detained: 19 foreign nationals and six Greek nationals. They were found working in the targeted premises by officers of the Department for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings. Authorities prepared case files charging them with violations of legislation concerning foreign nationals and breaches of official seals placed by the authorities. The arrested women were referred to the competent judicial authorities for further proceedings.
What items were seized during the checks?
Police confiscated 2,870.50 euros in cash and six surveillance recording devices used to monitor the premises. The seizures took place during the checks conducted in the evening hours of 18 September 2026 by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime. These items were recovered from the five brothels and the massage-front location.
What was the purpose of the police action?
The checks formed part of a focused effort by the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime to locate victims of human trafficking. All arrested individuals were referred to the competent judicial authorities for further proceedings. The operation specifically targeted premises that had been sealed repeatedly by the Municipality of Athens yet continued to operate.
Frequently asked questions
When did the checks take place?
The operation occurred during the evening hours of 18 September 2026.
How many premises were involved?
Checks covered six locations connected to brothel activity or similar services, plus one entertainment venue where no relevant offences were found.
Were the premises previously closed?
Yes, the locations had been sealed repeatedly under decisions issued by the Athens municipality.
