Fake Document Network Busted

In a coordinated effort, Greek, German, and United States law enforcement agencies, with support from Europol, have dismantled a criminal network operating out of Athens disguised as a legitimate travel agency. The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in migrant smuggling and document fraud.

The investigation, which culminated in raids on July 24 and 25, 2025, uncovered a fully equipped forgery lab within the travel agency. Authorities seized hundreds of counterfeit documents, forgery equipment, and over €68,000 in cash. The arrested individuals, mainly Pakistani, Iranian, and Turkish nationals, were already known to Greek authorities for similar illegal activities.

The criminal organization used the guise of a travel agency to distribute false documents across Europe, with parcels sent to countries including France, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Each member of the network had specific roles, using aliases to facilitate the illegal trade of passports, ID cards, and residency permits.

Europol played a crucial role in the operation, providing analytical support and hosting a virtual operational meeting to coordinate efforts between the involved nations. This bust highlights the ongoing threat posed by document fraud to the EU’s internal security.