With 7 Arrests, Greece Dismantles A Network Of Migrant Traffickers.

Seven people were arrested after a network of illegal migrant traffickers was dismantled, according to Greek police on Friday.

The suspects were held on Thursday in the city of Thessaloniki on suspicion of “illegal transit of at least 155 foreigners” since last August, according to the police, who claimed they were scheduled to appear before the public prosecutor later on Friday.

According to authorities, the migrants were hidden inside trucks and carried over the border in a scheme that brought the traffickers some 300,000 euros ($325,000).

The message further said that each immigrant had to pay between 2,000 and 4,000 euros without mentioning their nationality.

As they looked for 14 other alleged members of the network, all but one of whom were thought to be Greek, police also confiscated 13 automobiles.

A frequent route for migrants seeking refuge in the European Union, of which Greece is a member, and escaping violence and poverty is Thessaloniki, which is around 300 kilometers (187 miles) from the Turkish border.

The conservative administration in Athens has fortified its land and maritime borders with Turkey since taking power four years ago in an effort to stop unauthorized immigration.

Although Ankara often accuses Greece of illegally pushing back migrants to Turkey, it has claimed some degree of success.