Greek police said they had broken up one of the largest prostitution networks operating in the country and one that had links to criminal gangs around Europe.

The gang collaborated with criminal organisations and job-hunting agencies in Russia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Romania to lure women to Greece where fake passports, asylum claims and marriages were arranged for them.

It operated eight striptease clubs in Greece, one in Germany and at least 12 brothels in Athens, and laundered the proceeds through business investments.

Over 150 police officers were involved in the crackdown in the greater Athens area which netted 25 arrests, including four police officers who were allegedly paid to alert the gang over raids and helped provide the women with work permits.

Police are still seeking more than 40 people in connection with the racket.