The 43-year-old Nancy, accused of being a leading member of a ring that extorted shopkeepers in the centre of Athens, her brother and a co-defendant, a relative of a high-ranking local government official, have just been sent to prison. Two other public servants were also sent to prison with the agreement of the investigating judge and the public prosecutor. On the contrary, one accused was released on parole.

A total of six accused crossed the threshold of the interrogation office today for their plea, of whom five were remanded in custody. The pleas of the accused were marathon. Yesterday eight more accused had pleaded before the investigating magistrate and two of them were remanded in custody.

During her brief plea, the 43-year-old reportedly denied the serious charges against her and claimed she was making simple “arrangements” to help the shopkeepers avoid fines and penalties for any violations. The accused is also reportedly claiming that none of the businessmen the indictment accuses her of extorting has given a statement against her.