The son of a prominent businessman in Athens endured a harrowing ordeal, becoming the target of a violent kidnapping instigated by four men, including the notorious trapper Ivan Greko.
The assailants, who demanded money from the young man, were apprehended by officers from the Organized Crime Directorate after conducting operations in three separate locations across Athens.
Trapper Ivan Greko
The Kidnapping Incident
Reports indicate that in the early hours of May 6th, in the Ymittos area, three of the assailants employed physical violence, striking the victim’s legs with a sharp object and issuing dire threats against the businessman’s son, who is also involved in the family business.
During their transport, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of €25,000 and a BMW motorcycle valued at approximately €25,000, while physically assaulting the 24-year-old with their fists and a sharp object across his body.
Intense Hours and His Escape
In Saronida, where the three kidnappers met the fourth accomplice on a motorcycle, the threats escalated, including brandishing a firearm at a nearby beach.
After five hours, the young man was coerced into contacting acquaintances to arrange the ransom. The brutal kidnappers attempted to mutilate the victim by cutting off his fingers with a knife, but he fought back fiercely.
Ultimately, en route to Glyfada to collect part of the ransom, the victim seized an opportunity to flee and notified a friend.
Continued Online Threats
At that juncture, the kidnappers had already taken car keys, a wireless charger, €740 in cash, and a luxury watch valued between €20,000 and €29,000. In the days following, the harassment persisted through messages and videos sent via online applications.
Police Action on May 22
On the night of May 22, police units were deployed across various areas of Attica. After locating all members of the criminal organization, law enforcement detained them and brought them into custody.
The “Tiger Kidnapping” Method
A defining feature of the criminal organization’s tactics involves employing violence or the threat thereof, suggesting a desire to punish or “discipline” their victims. The members exhibited a clear inclination for revenge, highlighting the systematic and organized nature of their activities.
This abduction reflects the characteristics of a “tiger kidnapping,” where the victim is held under duress and threats to ensure compliance with the kidnappers’ financial demands without drawing attention or alerting authorities.
In such scenarios, police sources indicate that victims are subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse to coerce money and property.
In this case, the perpetrators executed their plan in a methodical and organized fashion, with distinct roles and advance preparations aimed at immediate financial gain. The brutal tactics—violence, weapon threats, and the attempted mutilation—suggest that their primary motive was the illegal financial exploitation of the victim.
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