Ayvalık, once known as one of Turkey's leading tourism destinations with its nature, sea, and unique tourism potential, is now associated with human traffickers and illegal immigrants
In Ayvalık, 16 migrants and 1 organizer were apprehended
In the district of Ayvalık in Balıkesir, 16 irregular migrants and 1 suspect organizer intending to travel to the Greek island of Lesbos through illegal means were captured.
According to information received; the Coast Guard Support Team operating on the beach in the Şirinkent area of Sahilkent neighborhood in Ayvalık caught 16 irregular migrants and 1 organizer preparing to go to Lesbos.
The migrants, taken to the Coast Guard Command located on Cunda Island in Ayvalık, were provided with humanitarian aid such as food, beverages, medicine, and medical supplies.
It was learned that the 16 migrants will be sent to the Balıkesir Provincial Directorate of Immigration for legal proceedings.
An investigation has been initiated regarding the organizer suspect accused of assisting migrants to reach Lesbos in exchange for money.