BBC investigation alleges Greek police use migrants for forced pushbacks at Evros

On April 14, 2026, a BBC investigation by journalists Jessica Parker and Kostas Kallergis reported that the Greek police allegedly recruit migrants to act as proxies in forced expulsions of asylum seekers toward Turkey. The report, covering activities reportedly dating back to at least 2020, claims that these individuals, often from Pakistan, Syria, and Afghanistan, are incentivized with money and stolen goods. Evidence cited includes leaked internal police documents, testimonies from migrants, and statements from former participants. The investigation describes systematic violence, including beatings, robberies, forced stripping, and allegations of sexual abuse. One border guard reportedly testified in disciplinary proceedings about informing superiors of alleged rapes against female migrants. While the Greek government has not yet provided a detailed rebuttal in these texts, the allegations suggest that these operations were conducted under the supervision of senior police officers. Forced pushbacks are generally considered illegal under international law.