The four individuals arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a businessman’s son — among them trap artist Ivan Greko — have extensive criminal backgrounds. The suspects are now facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

According to SKAI, the four arrested men had previously been involved with the police, and some are believed to be members of an extortion gang operating in the area of Vari. Reports state that Ivan Greko had drawn the attention of authorities for issuing threats, violating the military penal code, and traffic offenses.

The 33-year-old suspect was previously arrested in 2014 on charges of intentional homicide and attempted murder of two brothers in the Agios Dimitrios area. He had escaped from prison during a furlough and in 2017 stole a police patrol car — with a police officer still inside. He is also believed to be connected to a person who recently survived an attempted murder in Ano Liosia.

The 25-year-old has a record that includes charges of grievous bodily harm, disturbing the peace, and issuing threats. The 23-year-old has been charged in the past with assaulting public officials, embezzlement, robbery, and escape.

Tortured with a Knife and Screwdriver

The incident began on the morning of May 6 in the area of Hymettus, when three of the perpetrators physically assaulted the businessman’s son, striking him in the lower limbs with a sharp object. They threatened his life and abducted him.

After forcing him into a car, they demanded €25,000 in cash and a BMW motorcycle valued at a minimum of €25,000. At the same time, they continued beating him with their hands and sharp objects all over his body.

The group traveled to the coastal area of Saronida, where they were joined by a fourth perpetrator on a motorcycle. The threats escalated, now including the use of a firearm, and continued on a beach in the area. According to ERT, throughout the journey from Hymettus to Saronida, the kidnappers tortured the 24-year-old victim using a knife and a screwdriver.

The ordeal lasted five hours, during which the victim was forced to call friends to raise the demanded ransom.

At one point, the attackers attempted to sever his fingers using wire cutters, but failed as the victim resisted fiercely.

Eventually, the suspects, along with the victim, headed toward Glyfada to collect part of the ransom. During the trip, the 24-year-old managed to escape and alerted a friend.

Photos show injuries on the victim’s body.