New details have emerged in the Volos extortion case involving a 34-year-old man accused of coercing a 13-year-old student—alongside four minors—to hand over a total of €370,000. According to reports, his conspicuous spending shortly after receiving the money played a decisive role in exposing the crime. Though unemployed and residing in Xirokampi, the suspect purchased four motorcycles and a used BMW—a red flag that triggered police suspicion and helped investigators trace him, magnisianews.gr reports.
How the Extortion Unfolded
The 13-year-old initially handed over €70,000, followed by another €300,000 about 15 days later—bringing the total to €370,000. The scheme began when an underage friend of the boy asked for fireworks the teen had at home for his birthday. The friend then claimed the fireworks had ended up with the 34-year-old, who—falsely—he said had been arrested by police. Using this fabricated story as leverage, the boy was subjected to intense pressure and threats: he and his parents, he was warned, would face serious consequences unless he paid up.
Frightened, the child began secretly taking money from his family’s home between 2 May and 14 June, delivering it to the perpetrators. He was even told part of the funds would go toward the alleged detainee’s legal defense.
Discovery and Arrest
The case came to light on 17 June, when the boy’s parents discovered large sums missing from their home. The teenager then revealed what he had endured over the previous six weeks and named those involved. His parents immediately contacted police, prompting an investigation by Volos Security Directorate officers.
Authorities identified the 34-year-old suspect and two minors aged 17 and 15. Two other underage suspects remain at large. The main suspect was arrested at his home in the early hours of Thursday, 18 June 2026. During the subsequent search, no cash was found—authorities believe he had hidden it elsewhere. He faces charges of forming a criminal organization and extortion and has been brought before judicial authorities in Volos.
Mother’s Statement
The boy’s mother described to investigators how the family first noticed the missing money: ‘We keep some cash at home from various receipts and deposit it later at the bank to cover obligations. Around mid-May, my husband asked for the money to make a deposit. I’d counted it earlier—but €70,000 was gone. I asked him if he’d taken it; he said no. We didn’t suspect foul play—there’d been no break-in, and nothing like this had ever happened before. We assumed he might have deposited it and simply forgotten.’