They are taken to prison after their apologies to the investigator, six of the seven accuseds as members of a ring of extortionists in the southern suburbs. The seventh was released on parole.

The defendants are said to be pleading not guilty to charges of criminal organisation, extortion, grievous bodily harm, damage to foreign property and contravention of the Arms Act, offenses which are said to have been going on for about a year.

According to information, the defendants do not accept that they extorted shopkeepers, claiming – those of them charged with beatings – that their actions are not related to coercion for “protection” but to personal differences.

It is stated in the case file that members of the ring have committed at least 10 attacks on shops in Ilioupoli, Argyroupoli, Alimos, Glyfada and other areas, since September 2022. The judicial authorities have issued arrest warrants for three persons considered to be members of the ring.