An international investigation led to criminal charges against eight individuals and five arrests related to a shipwreck that resulted in the deaths of 15 migrants off Chios, Greece, on February 3, 2026. The tragedy occurred when the migrants attempted to navigate from Turkey's shores to Greece on a small inflatable boat. The investigation, involving cooperation between the Greek Coast Guard and Turkish authorities through INTERPOL, aims to dismantle a trafficking ring suspected of being responsible for the incident.

As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are examining potential links to three additional trafficking incidents, which raises concerns about the broader issue of human smuggling in the region. Law enforcement efforts have shown a notable increase in cross-border operations focused on migrant trafficking, highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration between Greece and Turkey to combat the organized crime behind such tragedies.

The deaths of these migrants have reignited discussions about the perilous routes undertaken by individuals seeking safety and better living conditions in Europe. Authorities are under pressure to ensure comprehensive and effective measures are taken to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further incidents, while also holding accountable those who exploit migrants for profit in dangerous conditions.