The municipal employees who were arrested by the Internal Affairs service, for financing and blackmailing shop owners, in Athens were put on holiday.

The case involves a total of 14 people, individuals and employees of the municipality of Athens who allegedly demanded bribes from shopkeepers in order to avoid inspection or fines for violations.

ERT brought to light two dialogues, in which a 43-year-old alleged leader is said to be the protagonist, as well as a message she had received on her mobile phone, revealing the organization’s actions.

Dialogues – “fire”

In first case, for a store under construction in the center of Athens, on Ermou Street, and the 43-year-old is reported to have said to another person who works in the Municipality of Athens:

“I hope it goes as a file because I want you to send it too. Let’s just play a game, get the money.”

And he answers her:

“Fine, if that’s the case, I insist then I look for it”

In second case, again the same woman is informed that an inspection is underway by the Municipal Police at a health care store. She contacts her accomplice and tells him:

“It is the Municipal Police (at the particular store). Tell them to leave.”

He reassures her:

“Even if a violation is confirmed, I will see to it that it is canceled later.”

In third case, a message is revealed that she has received on her mobile phone from a person who allegedly gave a very large amount of money to the ring and was eventually fined. The shop owner says:

“I consider giving 12,000 euros and last year 16,000 euros and having this treatment is not the best thing. What is the protection? Should we be closed for two days and draw a seal? This is the protection and we give this money?’