Five arrests over hand-grenade extortion at restaurants in central Athens
Five young people aged 17–20 have been arrested as members of a criminal organisation that carried out orders from a 49-year-old Albanian repeat offender. The hand-grenade attacks targeted catering establishments in central Athens.
Hand-grenade extortionists in central Athens — five young people in police custody
Five young people aged 17 to 20 have been arrested in simultaneous operations in Attica as members of a criminal organisation that targeted catering establishments in central Athens with extortion and hand-grenade attacks, according to Newsit.gr.
The arrested individuals, who are alleged to have formed the operational wing of the organisation, face criminal prosecution for thirteen felonies, including extortion and attacks. The case file includes a total of 9 persons, four of whom are already in custody.
The organiser: 49-year-old Albanian repeat offender
According to Mega, behind the attacks is a 49-year-old Albanian repeat offender who issued orders for bombing attacks on catering establishments. He did not hesitate to demand even fatal outcomes during the attacks, with the aim of forcing owners to yield to his demands. Possible targets also included the families of owners who refused to comply.
Video evidence reveals the activity
Video footage brought to light by Mega records characteristic attacks. In one of these, a young perpetrator with his face covered smashed the shop window of an establishment on Acharnon Street with a metal grille, threw a hand grenade inside and fled running. Seconds later a powerful explosion followed.
A month later, the same establishment became a target again. Eight customers were playing cards inside the shop when a motorcycle passenger fired a new hand grenade. Those present realised that something was wrong, without knowing that a hand grenade was lying beside them. The explosive device did not detonate, preventing tragedy.
Prosecution authorities: organised network of extortionists
Police officers from the organised crime division are conducting an investigation into the activities of an organised network of extortionists that operated systematically in central Athens. The case is being investigated in depth, with authorities examining the full scope of victims and threats they faced.
Source: Newsit.gr