Greek authorities break up refugee smuggling gang
Police in Patra on Wednesday arrested a retired senior ranking officer of the Civil Aviation Authority and four other members of a gang that illegally transported refugees on flights from a regional airport in the town of Mesolongi, western Greece, to destinations across Europe.
The arrests were made after a joint operation with police units from Attica.
The retired officer, whose identity was not revealed, had reportedly served as a local authority official in the region.
Seven Iraqi nationals, including minors, were also arrested.
Police confiscated a small jet and two cars used to transfer refugees to Mesolongi.
