Two migrant smugglers arrested for torturing families of illegals

Page last updated at 02:34 GMT, Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 07:34 EST

AMNA - Two alleged members of an organized migrant smuggling ring on Friday were arrested and charged with torturing entire families of Iranian illegal immigrants, including children, in order to extract money.

The case came to light following an investigation by police, resulting in two Iranians, aged 43 and 24, arrested, with warrants issued for other suspects.

The investigation commenced following pleas by several Iranian illegals, who claimed they were held against their will by several compatriots.

Authorities said the illegals were transported from Iran, via Istanbul, to Greece with the promise of further transport to another European Union country for a fee of up to 36,000 euros.

Upon their arrival in Athens they were taken to a seedy apartment in the city center, where they were kept against their will over a period of five months.