Gunfire was reported in the early hours in the Greek city of Thessaloniki, when unidentified individuals opened fire at a car rental business, damaging property but causing no injuries.
The incident took place on a central avenue, where the attackers reportedly shot at the storefront before fleeing the scene. Several vehicles, the shop’s glass frontage, and interior areas were damaged.
Authorities are now examining whether the shooting is connected to a recent extortion case involving the same business. The case was dismantled following a coordinated police operation that led to the arrest of three suspects.
Investigators believe a fourth individual, currently in prison, played a key role in orchestrating the extortion. According to the case file, the scheme began with a phone call demanding €200,000 from the company’s manager, allegedly to prevent the disclosure of a fabricated personal accusation involving a minor.
A second call reportedly followed, offering to “negotiate” the amount down to €100,000. The situation escalated further when armed, masked individuals allegedly entered the business and issued direct threats to staff.
Despite the intimidation, the victim reported the incident to police, denying all allegations made against them.
A sting operation was subsequently set up, with officers arranging a controlled meeting for the handover of €50,000 in marked bills. As the suspects attempted to collect the money, police intervened and arrested three individuals at the scene.
During a parallel search inside a prison cell linked to the case, authorities discovered three mobile phones, which the detained suspect allegedly tried to destroy.
