Recent reports indicate a troubling surge in international human smuggling activities taking place in the Aegean Sea. These smuggling networks have significantly increased the prices for migrants seeking passage through illegal means, with super luxury yachts now being utilized as transportation vessels.
The number of migrants attempting these perilous journeys has tripled compared to the previous two years, posing new challenges for border control and migration authorities.
According to a report by Tovima, one of Greece’s leading media outlets, the number of migrants embarking on journeys of hope in the Aegean Sea in 2023 has tripled compared to the past two years.
The report highlights the recent increase in prices for illegal migration facilitated by international smuggling networks operating in the Aegean region. The tariff for illegal sea crossings, destined for Greece and Italy, has been revised by these networks. The cost for crossings in small boats has risen to 2,000 euros, while sailboats charge around 3,000 euros. The most alarming increase, however, is seen in the rates for migrants smuggled in super luxury yachts, which can range from 10,000 to 15,000 euros depending on the chosen route.
It has been noted that these smuggling networks have recently started utilizing ultra-luxurious yachts, which are valued in the range of tens of millions of dollars, for their operations. These 60-80 meter-long yachts are capable of accommodating up to 80-140 migrants at a time. Furthermore, reports indicate that at times these criminal networks do not hesitate to sink these million-dollar vessels to cover their tracks.
The report also highlights the growing popularity of destinations such as Mykonos, Crete, and Symi among wealthy Lebanese and Syrian migrants. These migrants prefer to use luxury motor yachts for their passage to these islands in the Aegean Sea.
In response to the escalating situation, Greek Minister of Migration Policy, Dimitris Kairidis, has called for a teleconference with all members of the New Democracy Party to inform them about the increasing flow of migrants and the prevailing new conditions within the migration department. (Sözcü)
