In Athens, organized crime networks were allegedly promoting foreign women into prostitution, by profession and for profit, by exploiting their income inside establishments operating as “strip shows.” Intelligence gathered by authorities indicated that the individuals were being controlled and profited from under conditions consistent with human trafficking. This prompted a coordinated law enforcement response.
In the early morning hours of Friday, December 19, 2025, the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime carried out a targeted operation at two “strip show” establishments in Athens. Police officers from the Sub-Directorate for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Goods, the Extortion Department of the Sub-Directorate for Prosecution of Crimes against Life and Property, and the Sub-Directorate for Information and Special Actions conducted the operation, with technical and logistical support from Our Rescue to ensure efficiency and provide protection for individuals discovered on scene who may have been survivors of trafficking.
The investigation revealed that women working at the establishments were being induced into sexual acts for money, presented as “private dances.” To gather evidence and identify the perpetrators, police went undercover, posing as customers and using pre-marked cash.
During the operation:
- 45 women and 3 men of various nationalities were transported to the Directorate’s headquarters to assess whether they were exploited and to also provide assistance and protection.
Arrests and outcomes:
- 5 individuals were arrested for promoting foreign women into prostitution, by profession and for profit, by exploiting their income
- 1 individual was arrested for violations of immigration legislation.
- Authorities identified an operational connection between the two establishments, finding that one of the suspects, who worked as a cashier at one location, was the legal representative of the company that also owned the second store.
Searches conducted during the operation resulted in the seizure of €5,450 in cash, surveillance cameras and a closed-circuit recording system, photocopies of travel and other third-party documents, written notes and store records, and a central computer unit. All arrested individuals were transferred to the prosecutor’s office and criminal charges were filed against them.
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