Greece and Turkey discussed closer security cooperation on October 8, focusing on organized crime, terrorism and migrant-smuggling networks. Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis hosted Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi at his ministry for the talks. Both delegations also addressed drug trafficking, extremism and money laundering, according to the Greek ministry.
The meeting followed February’s Greece–Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council in Ankara. This time, discussions focused on intelligence sharing and practical cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The Greek ministry described stronger bilateral cooperation as a shared priority for protecting citizens in both countries.
However, the ministry’s account outlined proposals rather than a completed operational agreement. It provided no implementation timetable for the proposed measures.
Greece proposes stronger intelligence sharing
According to the ministry’s statement, Chrysochoidis called for new approaches to exchanging information and closer operational coordination. He acknowledged existing cooperation while identifying areas where police services could strengthen their response.
Specifically, he proposed restarting regular meetings between experts at the countries’ land border. He also sought stronger cooperation through the Joint Contact Center at Kapitan Andreevo.
Chrysochoidis described the center as a successful example of police cooperation. His proposals emphasized regular contact between specialists alongside information exchanges involving their respective agencies.
Additionally, he called for greater attention to high-risk criminal networks and priority investigative targets. He proposed an early-warning mechanism covering suspicious movements of people, vehicles and cargo.
The Greek minister also recommended specialized training activities and regular operational meetings. These proposals formed part of his broader request for more intensive intelligence sharing.
Suspected gang members and firearms trafficking
Meanwhile, Chrysochoidis raised concerns about Turkish nationals whom Greek authorities link to criminal groups operating in Greece. According to the ministry, he accused members of these groups of committing homicides and endangering bystanders.
He urged Turkish authorities to request INTERPOL Red Notices when Turkish national arrest warrants exist. He presented those requests as a way to help Greek authorities locate suspects and pursue their return through legal procedures.
However, a Red Notice does not constitute an international arrest warrant. INTERPOL publishes these notices at member countries’ request, subject to its rules. Each country applies its own laws when deciding whether to arrest someone.
Furthermore, INTERPOL distinguishes between people facing prosecution and those who must serve a sentence following conviction. A notice seeking someone for prosecution does not establish guilt.
Beyond suspected gang activity, Chrysochoidis called for closer cooperation against firearms trafficking. The ministry’s statement also described his concerns about increasing arrivals of altered firearms with links to Turkey.
However, the statement offered no figures supporting that claimed increase. It also provided no technical explanation of the weapons’ alterations.
Migrant-smuggling networks remain a shared priority
The delegations also examined criminal networks that smuggle migrants and exploit people without regular immigration status. Alongside those discussions, they addressed trafficking in people and drugs, as well as laundering criminal proceeds.
For his part, Çiftçi expressed satisfaction with existing cooperation, according to the Greek ministry’s account. He nevertheless supported closer coordination on security, law enforcement and migrant-smuggling investigations.
The Turkish minister emphasized the importance his government attached to the visit. He pointed to the senior officials accompanying him as evidence of that commitment.
In addition, Çiftçi said cooperation with Bulgaria against migrant-smuggling networks had produced positive results. The ministry’s account supplied no figures or specific operations to illustrate that assessment.
Senior police and security officials from both countries joined the talks. Greece’s delegation included police chief Dimitrios Mallios, organized-crime investigators and counterterrorism officials.
Turkey’s delegation included Ambassador Çağatay Erciyes, Gendarmerie Commander Ali Çardakcı and National Police Chief Ali Fidan. Officials responsible for organized crime and international police cooperation also attended, according to the statement.
Finally, Çiftçi invited Chrysochoidis to a trilateral meeting in Turkey in November 2026. The planned discussions concern migration management and cooperation against networks that smuggle people.
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