A shocking extortion case has come to light in Volos, central Greece, where a 34-year-old man and four minors allegedly coerced a 13-year-old boy into handing over €370,000. According to reports by Greece’s public broadcaster ERT, the incident began when the boy — the son of a local Volos businessman — had acquired some fireworks for his birthday celebration.
How the Scheme Unfolded
One of the boy’s friends convinced him to hand over some of the fireworks. That act triggered what would become a month-and-a-half-long ordeal. The friend then claimed he had passed the fireworks on to the 34-year-old suspect — who was later arrested — and warned the boy that unless he paid money, the suspect would report him to authorities, claiming the boy had supplied illegal fireworks. The suspect allegedly threatened that both the boy and his parents could face criminal charges and imprisonment.
Fearing the consequences, the boy began withdrawing large sums of cash kept at home by his parents and delivering them to the friend — who acted as an intermediary. Between May 2 and June 14, he handed over a total of €370,000. He was told part of the money would go toward legal representation for the suspect, who falsely claimed to have already been arrested.
Discovery and Arrests
On June 17, the boy’s parents discovered large amounts of cash missing from their home. When confronted, the boy revealed the ongoing extortion and named those involved. His parents immediately filed a complaint with local police.
Following an investigation, the Volos Security Directorate identified the 34-year-old suspect and two minors aged 17 and 15. Two additional minors remain unidentified. The 34-year-old was arrested at his home in the early hours of Thursday. However, no cash was found during the subsequent search of his residence.
According to police sources, a criminal file has been opened against him for participation in a criminal organization and extortion. He is expected to appear before judicial authorities in Volos.