A highly unusual case has emerged in Volos, where a 34-year-old man was arrested by local police on Thursday, June 18, on suspicion of extorting 370,000 euros from a 13-year-old boy, allegedly with the involvement of four minors.
According to a report by Greece’s public broadcaster ERT, the incident began when the teenager—son of a businessman—purchased fireworks for his birthday celebrations. A friend of his reportedly asked for some of the pyrotechnics and later claimed they had been handed over to the 34-year-old suspect.
The man was initially detained for illegal possession of fireworks. However, the case escalated after authorities allege that he and the four minors later began blackmailing the 13-year-old, demanding money in exchange for not implicating him or his parents in any wrongdoing.
Under sustained pressure, the boy is said to have gradually taken money from his home over a period stretching from early May until June 14, ultimately handing over a total of 370,000 euros. The funds were reportedly kept at the residence due to the professional activities of the child’s father, a local entrepreneur.
Police arrested the 34-year-old following a complaint filed by the boy’s parents on Wednesday. A search of his residence did not uncover any of the missing money. Investigations are ongoing to locate the four alleged minor accomplices.
