A foreign couple has been convicted in Crete after a bizarre and tense three-hour standoff with police, following allegations they harassed the owners of a luxury Airbnb villa and attempted to extort money.

The incident began on 3 August, when the couple checked into an upscale rental property in Chania. Within a day, they began making complaints — first about the interior décor, then about finding a dead cockroach on the premises.

According to police, the situation escalated when the man, claiming to be a “famous influencer with one million followers,” demanded €700 from the owners in exchange for not “exposing” the property online. He allegedly threatened to post negative reviews and file complaints unless paid.

Sting operation and violent arrest

The Greek Tourist Police organised a sting, using marked banknotes to meet the pair’s demand. Once the money was handed over, officers moved in — but the couple reportedly resisted arrest.

Police say the man kicked officers and locked himself inside the villa, while the woman bit one of the responding officers during the altercation. After three hours of tension, the pair were finally detained.

Both were sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for three years.