Authorities at the Central Port Authority of Chios arrested two Turkish nationals, aged 62 and 72, for smuggling 12,500 mobile phones, following intelligence provided by the Hellenic National Intelligence Service (EYP).

According to reports, one of the detainees, the 62-year-old, had been on the EYP radar for some time due to indications of his involvement in human trafficking. During the investigation, he was found transporting thousands of mobile devices (basic phones, not smartphones) on a boat, intending to transfer them to Turkey. Authorities suspect that the devices were destined for members of organized crime in the neighboring country.

Specifically, during an inspection of the Turkish-flagged sailing boat carrying the two men, 4,000 phones of various brands were found and seized; none had legal purchase documentation. Additionally, a van used by the 62-year-old was discovered, containing another 8,500 mobile phones of various brands, which were also confiscated.

Inside the vehicle, authorities also found two transport documents (waybills), which were missing serial numbers and did not indicate the transport vehicle or the tax identification numbers (VAT numbers) of the sender and recipient.

In total, 12,500 mobile phones were seized, none of which had legal purchase documentation, and the detainees had not obtained permission from the competent customs authorities for their export to Turkey. The devices lacked packaging or accessories, and the estimated total resale value is €695,000.

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