A woman, lured to Greece by false promises of lucrative work, found herself trapped instead in a nightmare of exploitation. Deceived into thinking she would earn a good living, she arrived by plane just days before being locked into a cycle of sexual abuse and intimidation. The traffickers handed her keys to an apartment in Thessaloniki to disguise her captivity as freedom. Behind that door, however, was a reality controlled by fear. She was forced to provide sexual services at a brothel for minimal pay and when she resisted, they threatened her and her family, demanding repayment of a fabricated debt created by the traffickers.
But her cries for help didn’t go unheard. After a tip was submitted to Greece’s Anti-Human Trafficking Hotline and additional information was provided by a Greek NGO, authorities swung into action. Based on the information received, authorities launched a coordinated operation to find and free her. During the night, officers from the Department for Combating Human Trafficking and the Department of Information and Special Actions of the Northern Greece Organized Crime Sub-Directorate, carried out the rescue in the presence of a judicial officer. The woman was located and removed from the apartment. Our Rescue coordinated with a local anti-human trafficking NGO and worked closely with Greek law enforcement during the operation. After the operation was completed, Our Rescue worked with partners to provide immediate support for the survivor. Three members of the trafficking network were arrested at the scene, a 46-year-old man, a 72-year-old man, and a 57-year-old woman.
Each member of the ring had a defined role. The two men operated as ringleaders, while the woman managed the brothel’s clients. Authorities filed charges related to human trafficking and organized crime, and all three individuals were referred to the prosecution.
Following the rescue, the survivor received immediate protection and support through the combined efforts of Our Rescue Greece and a Greek NGO. Our Rescue was able to safely facilitate the voluntary return of the survivor to her home country. What began as another case of exploitation and abuse ended in freedom because someone spoke up, and because teams acted quickly to intervene.
For over four years, Our Rescue has stood alongside the dedicated law enforcement professionals of the Hellenic Police of Greece who continue to lead the fight against human trafficking. We are grateful for the opportunity to support their work by assisting with international coordination, logistical support, and providing specialized technical equipment and software, which helps empower and strengthen their efforts. Their courage and leadership make a real difference, and we’re proud to walk with them as they bring freedom and justice to those who need it most.