The mother of a Trinity graduate arrested in Greece on suspicion of human trafficking says the charges are 'absolutely and totally unfounded'.

24-year-old Sean Binder, who lives in Togher in Cork, had been volunteering helping refugees on the island of Lesbos with Emergency Response Centre International when he was arrested.

He now faces 20 years in a Greek prison over claims he was also involved in money laundering, espionage and being a member of a criminal organisation.

Lawyers for Mr Binder have insisted there is "no evidence whatsoever" to support the allegations. 

Sean's mother, Fanny Binder, also says her son has done nothing wrong.

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show this morning, Ms Binder explained: "What he is doing or was doing... people that come ashore, he helped them literally out of the boat. He makes sure, with his colleagues, that [those on the boats have] a safe landing.

"He is charged with working for an illegal organisation, helping illegal aliens into the country - and therefore also a charge of money laundering and espionage. They are absolutely and totally unfounded."

Sean handed himself in to Greek police when he heard a friend had been arrested.

Ms Binder said her son has "nothing to hide".

She added: "I'm very fearful for him to go in a prison where I can't see him every day... I'm extremely worried about him."

Sean was born in Germany, and while he has spent most of his life here in Ireland he does not have an Irish passport.

His mother noted Sean is a German citizen, but insisted Ireland is his home and has been since he was a child.

She said: "He can't even remember how it was in Germany. He speaks fluent Irish, and he went to Trinity College.

"Everybody that knows Sean can't believe what is happening."