Documentary videos showcasing the actions of an extortionist ring targeting cafe and bar owners in Athens have been secured and presented by protothema.gr. The footage shows members of the gang, with their faces covered, entering businesses to extort protection money. As evident from the images, the individuals involved are notably large in stature.

According to the investigation by the Extortion Division, the suspects operated around central Athens, entering bars and cafes, leaving a note with their phone number, and asking the owners to call them to agree on the “rate” for providing protection. The gang operated mainly in Patissia, Kypseli, and Agios Panteleimon, demanding monthly payments from business owners in exchange for not causing damage to their properties.

Eventually, the group’s activities were ended by officers from the Extortion Division, who, after an undercover operation, arrested five individuals: one Greek, one Egyptian, and three Albanians.

The countdown to dismantling the gang began in early February when authorities received information about a group of five or six individuals, of large physical stature, operating in Patissia, Kypseli, and Agios Panteleimon, extorting shop owners while offering protection.

A subsequent investigation culminated on the night of February 12th when police noticed individuals with covered faces moving through the Kato Patissia area and approaching shop owners to demand cash under the pretense of providing protection. The police team immediately responded by monitoring various establishments. As they passed through Konstantinou Kavafi Street in Patissia, they identified a suspicious individual outside a business and decided to stop and check him. Inside the same business, they observed four men, two of whom were already known to the authorities due to their criminal backgrounds and involvement in nightlife establishments.

After identifying themselves, the officers asked the men to step outside for the required check. During the exit, all of them became resistant, and as the officers attempted to restrain them to prevent harm to any customers, the suspects pushed the officers away. Despite this, the men were eventually subdued and arrested.

Two of the detainees confessed to the extortion charges, admitting to their actions under the guise of providing protection.