A former deputy mayor was sentenced to 9 months in prison, with a 3-year suspension, who, in his capacity as an accountant, had demanded extortionate money from a pharmacist’s client in order to settle an alleged tax outstanding to the Tax Office. An associate of his who was brought to trial with him was punished with the same sentence.

He is a former deputy mayor of the previous administration in the municipality of Thessaloniki and after his involvement in the case he had submitted his resignation from the position he had held until then.

The court found the two accountants guilty of extortion with the threat of damage to the business, carried out jointly, recognizing them the mitigating factor of the previous legal life.

They were arrested in May 2022, following a complaint by the pharmacist to the Internal Affairs Sub-Directorate of the Security Forces of Northern Greece of the Hellenic Police. During the police operation, banknotes related to part of the amount of 2,000 euros that they are accused of claiming and delivered to the accused partner were found.

The former deputy mayor who attended the trial stated that the money was for the accounting firm’s fee but the way they asked to collect it was wrong. His partner was represented by attorney.

A tax official was also arrested for the same case, but she was later acquitted of the charges, as her involvement was not found.