Police have dismantled an alleged extortion ring that attempted to extract up to €200,000 from a business manager through threats and intimidation, in an operation that led to four arrests, including one suspect already serving time in prison.
The case unfolded in Athens, where authorities carried out a coordinated sting operation after the victim reported the incident.
Alleged scheme involved false claims and threats
According to investigators, the scheme began with a phone call from the imprisoned suspect, who allegedly demanded money in exchange for not disclosing claims of a supposed relationship between the victim and a minor.
A second individual later contacted the target, offering to “negotiate” a reduced payment.
The situation escalated when two masked individuals reportedly entered the company’s premises, threatened an employee, and reinforced the seriousness of the demands.
Victim alerted authorities
Rather than complying, the business manager immediately reported the incident to police, stating that the accusations were false.
Authorities then organized a controlled operation, marking banknotes and monitoring the suspects as they arranged to collect the money at a pre-agreed meeting point.
Arrests made during planned handover
Three suspects were arrested during the attempted collection of the money on a central avenue in the city. At the same time, police searched the prison cell of the alleged mastermind, where three mobile phones were found. The inmate reportedly attempted to destroy the devices.
All four individuals now face charges related to extortion, as investigators continue to examine the case and the coordination of the scheme.
