This chapter explores the Greek island of Lesvos as a site of academic extractivism, epistemic colonialism, and, therefore, epistemic struggle. It argues that Lesvos, once relatively unknown and under-researched, became shockingly familiar and over-researched in the aftermath of the 2015 refugee crisis. Refugees themselves, along with local communities, became objects of systematic attention, observation, documentation, scientific research, and knowledge production. The chapter examines how this epistemic intervention may become a form of epistemic domination, oppression and, therefore, colonialism erasing not only the history and context of the unfolding crisis but ultimately objectifying, exploiting, sometimes deceiving and consuming the communities under study. While some, often those in positions of authority or privilege, benefit from this extraction, others, such as marginalised communities, displaced populations, and/or native researchers, may experience harm. The chapter reflects on the ethical implications of epistemic colonialism and addresses resistance within academic research settings.