Greek authorities are preparing to revoke asylum in dozens—potentially hundreds—of cases involving Turkish nationals who entered the country as refugees in recent years but have since been implicated in criminal activities.

Executions, armed robberies, and other violent incidents attributed to the so-called Turkish mafia have escalated across Greece, prompting alarm within security and immigration services. The Ministries of Migration and Asylum and Citizen Protection have joined forces to reassess asylum cases, particularly where there are national security implications.

According to Proto Thema, the Hellenic Police (ELAS) and the Ministry of Migration are working closely to review these cases. More than ten revocations have already been issued, with many more under evaluation.

Coordinated Crackdown

Following Makis Voridis’s appointment to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, coordination with the Ministry of Citizen Protection intensified. This joint effort is now peaking under the leadership of Thanos Plevris.

Authorities have been instructed to immediately process police requests to revoke asylum in cases where Turkish nationals have been arrested for serious crimes. A recent directive by the Asylum Service requires all office heads to consult with the State Security Division for every new asylum application from Turkish citizens, ensuring thorough background checks for pending criminal records.

In cases where asylum has already been granted, confidential communication is initiated between national security authorities and the head of the Asylum Office, Mario Kaleas. If national security concerns are identified, revocation proceedings are launched—potentially paving the way for extradition to Turkey.

From Coup to Criminal Networks

The attempted coup in Turkey in July 2016 triggered a wave of asylum applications from Turkish citizens fleeing political persecution, many citing ties to the Gülen movement (FETO) or to Kurdish organizations like the PKK.

While many applicants were genuine—teachers, civil servants, and dissidents—Greek authorities now believe criminal networks exploited the crisis. Amid the broader refugee flows, members of organized crime groups may have gained entry and even legal status.

Since 15 July 2016, Greek authorities have received 23,432 asylum applications from Turkish nationals. Between 2021 and today, 54.4% were approved at the initial stage and 13.6% on appeal.

Criminal Affiliations Under Review

Among the asylum cases currently under review are:

• 10 related to alleged PKK membership
• 30 involving suspected ties to FETO
• 15 linked to the pro-Kurdish HDP
• 2 involving YPG affiliation
• 1 tied to the Marxist-Leninist TKP/ML

While political affiliations alone do not warrant exclusion from protection, the discovery of criminal activity changes the equation.

Growing Wave of Violence

Greece has seen a disturbing uptick in violent incidents linked to Turkish criminal networks operating on its soil. Authorities are now connecting the dots between these incidents and asylum cases.

In September 2022, two Turks were shot in Vathi Square, Athens—allegedly by a fellow countryman who was himself gunned down days later in Petralona.

In September 2023, Artemis became the site of a mass execution: six members of the Turkish criminal group “Daltons,” associated with notorious fugitive Baris Boyun, were ambushed and killed.

More recently, in June 2024, a deadly shooting erupted in a Piraeus supermarket between Turkish nationals. In November, a 39-year-old Turk was murdered in Kypseli in what police described as a mafia-style hit.

On December 9, in Glyfada, a dramatic car chase and shootout left two Kurdish Turks dead and one wounded.

Authorities: “The Threat Is Real”

Security sources emphasize that these developments are not isolated incidents. The Turkish mafia’s infiltration into Greece is viewed as a growing threat, especially as some of these criminal elements entered under pretenses as political refugees.

“The time for leniency has passed,” a high-ranking source told Proto Thema. “Asylum is a sacred institution for the truly persecuted. It cannot be a shield for organized crime.”

As investigations continue, Greek officials are bracing for a surge in revocations and potential extraditions in the coming months.