File photo. [Shutterstock]
Authorities said Thursday they have broken a gang of extortionists headed and largely staffed by convicts that’s thought to be behind a series of arson attacks in the Greater Athens region, including one targeting a prison guard.
A police statement said the suspected ringleader is a 49-year-old convict, while charges will be brought against another eight prisoners and one other person. Four people were also arrested during raids Wednesday in the Greater Athens region.
All face charges including belonging to a criminal organisation, arson, causing explosions, extortion, violence against government agents and breaches of firearms and drugs laws.
The statement said the gang allegedly tried to consolidate its position in central Athens and elsewhere in the capital by eliminating competitors and scaring off any potential opposition.
