Warning for Moldovans seeking work in Greece: some offers may conceal illegal activities

The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Greece is warning Moldovan citizens to exercise caution when accepting job offers promoted on social media, as an increasing number of Moldovan citizens have reportedly been detained or arrested in Greece following such offers. The Embassy draws attention that offers promising quick earnings of €1,000–€3,000 for a single trip may conceal involvement in the illegal transportation of migrants.

According to the diplomatic mission, such offers are promoted on TikTok, Facebook, and other social networks and may initially appear to be attractive employment opportunities.

In many cases, recruitment is carried out through fake profiles and intermediaries who contact potential recruits via WhatsApp, Messenger, or other communication applications.

Individuals may be asked to use their own car or rent a vehicle to carry out transport services within Greece, without being informed from the outset of the true nature of the activity.

The Embassy states that, in some cases, recruited individuals only discover that they are involved in illegal activity when they arrive at the location where they are supposed to pick up migrants or after being stopped and detained by the police.

According to the Embassy’s warning, the organizers of such networks often remain in the shadows, while the person driving the vehicle attracts the attention of the authorities and may be called to answer before a court.

The diplomatic mission draws attention to the seriousness of these acts and the penalties provided under Greek law for involvement in the illegal transportation of migrants.

Depending on the specific circumstances of the case, those involved may face up to 10 years in prison, as well as fines ranging from €30,000 to €60,000 for each migrant transported illegally.

The institution warns that simply claiming that a person “did not know what it was about” does not automatically remove criminal liability.

At the same time, the Embassy highlights the high costs that hiring a lawyer and obtaining legal assistance in a criminal case in Greece may involve.

Citizens of the Republic of Moldova are urged not to accept suspicious job offers and to carefully verify the identity of the people contacting them, as well as the nature of the proposed activity.

In particular, people are advised to be cautious when they are promised large amount of money for a single trip or for an activity presented as simple and quick.

The Embassy recommends that before accepting such offers, citizens seek advice from lawyers or competent institutions specializing in combating human trafficking.

Citizens are also urged not to transport unknown individuals under unclear circumstances and not to agree to participate in activities about which they do not have sufficient information.

The diplomatic mission emphasizes that an offer that seems profitable and easy to carry out can turn into a criminal case, loss of freedom and serious financial and legal consequences.