Author Topic: Crisis profiteering  (Read 3382 times)

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Offline Maik

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Crisis profiteering
« on: Tuesday, 29 September, 2015 @ 15:41:25 »
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How Enterprising Greeks Are Profiting From Europe's Refugee Crisis And Creating A Multimillion-Dollar Industry

Every new boatload of refugees from Turkey -- volunteers estimate there are upward of 50 boats per day -- is a potential meal ticket. The scavengers care little for the shoddily made, mass-produced boats but rather for their more valuable diesel engines. A well-known brand such as Honda can fetch up to 400 euros, rich pickings for a country whose citizens bring home an average monthly wage of 800 euros.

When refugees arrive on Lesbos, they land on the island's northernmost beaches, on the stretch of coastline between Eftalou and Skala Sikaminias, and must make their way to the Mytilene port to catch a ferry to Athens before continuing the journey to northern Europe. The distance is some 36 miles, which can take refugees, especially those traveling with children and pregnant women, more than 12 hours to walk.

Enterprising locals with a disregard for the law are charging refugees up to 250 euros a passenger for a journey that would normally cost no more than 40 euros in a taxi.

Syrian refugees are largely drawn from the country’s wealthy, professional classes, and they have the clothes and disposable incomes to match. Designer labels, expensive shoes and wads of cash characterize this crowd.

In Kara Tepe, the island’s transit camp for Syrians, refugees regularly purchase bottles of water and candy with 100-euro bills. In nearby Moria, a camp for non-Syrians, refugees are distinctly poorer. The kiosks are less well-attended, and residents look resigned to the camp’s meager food supplies.

Phone companies are prospering from increased demand, advertising European SIM cards so refugees can use data plans that will allow them to plan their routes to Germany.

Last month, Greek telecom operator Cosmote sent salespeople to Mytilene’s ports and camps to push €12 SIM cards designed with refugees in mind. Not wanting to be left out, the British company Vodafone Group PLC has started offering a €10 SIM card with a 50 percent discount on ferry tickets to Athens.

Refugees have replaced tourists as a main source of income for many small businesses.

Manolis Seroudakis owns a souvlaki joint in Mytilene port... For 5 euros, hungry customers can get a large wrap stuffed with fries and fragrant herbs in addition to meat and tzatziki. Judging by the lines snaking out of Seroudakis’ shop, business is good.
http://www.ibtimes.com/how-enterprising-greeks-are-profiting-europes-refugee-crisis-creating-multimillion-2115996