Criminal charges have been brought against four individuals involved in the kidnapping of a 24-year-old businessman’s son in Athens, including the well-known rapper Ivan Greko.
The suspects, who physically assaulted the victim and extorted money from him, were apprehended by the Organized Crime Directorate during coordinated operations across three locations in the city.
They are facing serious criminal charges for a total of 11 offenses:
- Conspiracy to abduct the victim or compel actions to which they are not obligated,
- Extortion linked to robbery,
- Affiliation with a criminal organization,
- Aggravated assault,
- Robbery,
- Forgery,
- Unlawful possession of fireworks,
- Illegal firearm possession,
- Use of a weapon,
- Resistance against authorities,
- Violence against public officials.
The defendants requested additional time to prepare their statements.
Kidnapping Timeline
Information indicates that on the morning of May 6, in the vicinity of Hymettus, three of the five assailants assaulted the victim with a sharp object and threatened his life, as he is also involved in his family’s business.
After forcing him into a vehicle, they demanded €25,000 and a BMW motorcycle of equivalent value, repeatedly beating him during the ordeal.
Hours of Trauma and Escape
In Saronida, where they met a fourth accomplice on a motorcycle, threats escalated to include a firearm at a beach. After five hours, the victim was coerced into contacting friends for the ransom. The brutal kidnappers even attempted to mutilate him, but he resisted.
Later, while being driven to Glyfada to collect the ransom, the victim managed to escape and alert a friend.
Ongoing Online Threats
At that time, the assailants had stolen his car keys, a wireless charger, €740 in cash, and a luxury designer watch valued between €20,000 and €29,000. The harassment continued in subsequent days via threatening messages and videos sent through online platforms.
On the evening of May 22, police launched a sweep across various areas of Attica and arrested all members of the criminal group.
The “Tiger Kidnapping” Method
A critical element of this case involves the use of violence or threats for coercion. The actions taken indicate a clear intent to intimidate the victim, showing the systematic nature of the crime.
This kidnapping reflects the characteristics of a “tiger kidnapping,” where victims are held under duress to meet financial demands without alerting the authorities.
In such incidents, police sources report, victims often endure severe physical and psychological harm aimed at extracting money and assets.
The kidnappers demonstrated organization and precision, with assigned roles and planned steps geared toward achieving immediate financial gain. Their use of violence and threats, including attempts at mutilation, highlights their primary motivation of illegal financial exploitation.
Police Statement
The Organized Crime Division announced that they dismantled a criminal organization involved in the kidnapping of a jewelry store owner and a hair salon owner using similar tactics.
The investigation, led by the Extortion Unit of the Homicide and Property Crimes Division, saw a significant operation that led to the arrest of all four suspects—aged 33, 25, 23, and 26—on the morning of May 23, 2025.
They are charged, based on their involvement, with kidnapping, extortion, robbery, aggravated assault, and weapons violations, conducted as part of a criminal gang, along with violence against officials and various other legal breaches.
The defendants formed a criminal organization that executed the kidnapping in a well-coordinated and systematic way, reflecting the characteristics of a “tiger kidnapping.”
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