Threatening the lives of their victims, extortionists received 68,000 euros

A gang of extortionists operating in Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki was caught thanks to the actions of law enforcement agencies.

As Athens News previously reported, crime has increased in recent times (as well as during the quarantine period). According to Greek law enforcement agencies, in 2020, during the long lockdown period, 2,541 robberies were committed by 37 gangs who carried out these criminal acts, while receiving booty of 2.5 million euros.

Three of those arrested are accused of extorting money from five people who have been involved in criminal activities since July last year. The criminals, using all the tricks available to them, even threatening the lives of the victims and their relatives, as well as promising to “arrange problems with the business,” extorted large sums.

In some cases, it has been proven that in reality it came to physical violence and the use of violence. Thus, the attackers received an amount of 68,200 euros from their victims and hoped to illegally enrich themselves by another 48,500 euros.

While investigating the complaint filed by the victims with the Thessaloniki Department of Extortion, the identity of the perpetrators (aged 30, 40 and 41) was established. Arrest warrants were issued for the extortionists. The arrest operation was successful, the publication reported. in.gr.

The majority of organized crime groups committed street robberies (47%), mainly against pedestrians, car drivers, food deliveries, minors and the elderly. Another 43% of attacks occurred in stores and businesses such as gas stations, OPAP stores, convenience stores, kiosks and pharmacies. Also, 10% of robbery attacks occurred during months of lockdown in nursing homes.

About 71% of those arrested have a criminal record. Of these, 62% are Greeks, and 65% of them are members of the so-called “gypsy mafia”, whose share in the criminal field is constantly growing.

Gangs made up of foreigners and looting homes are still dominated by Albanian criminals (65%), followed by Algerians with 14%, as well as citizens of Ukraine, Pakistan and Romania (7%), writes in.gr.

These are just some of the data recorded in the documents. EL.AS. and presented to the public in the Sunday newspaper “Το Βήμα της Κυριακής”. According to official information, the article outlines the activities of the gangs – on robbery, fraud, extortion, trafficking in weapons and explosives – and the conclusions made by the Greek police on the situation in the country.

Source link