Story perspectives

Greek Police Recruit Migrants for Brutal Border Pushbacks

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

BBC investigations report that the Hellenic Police (Greece) recruit migrants to push others back into Turkey.
Internal police documents indicate senior officers ordered the recruitment of these so-called mercenaries.
Witnesses allege brutality, including stripping, robbery, beating, and sexual assault.
The practice has reportedly continued since at least 2020.
The Greek prime minister said he was "totally unaware" of the allegations and authorities have not responded.

1 of 1

Story summary

BBC investigations report that the Hellenic Police (Greece) recruit migrants to push others back into Turkey.
Internal police documents indicate senior officers ordered the recruitment of these so-called mercenaries.
Witnesses allege brutality, including stripping, robbery, beating, and sexual assault.
The practice has reportedly continued since at least 2020.
The Greek prime minister said he was "totally unaware" of the allegations and authorities have not responded.