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The police department against extortions of the Thessaloniki police directorate has crushed a three-member criminal group involved over the last 7 months in cases of extortion of businessmen and at least one case of victim abduction. 

In a raid conducted two days ago police arrested a 25-year Greek who is believed to be the "brain" of the gang, and two of its members, one foreign and one Greek citizen, both 38 years old. 

The police investigation shows that in recent months at least three businessmen have taken a loan of different amounts from third parties who subsequently, through the specific gang, were forced to pay off the amounts through different methods (threats, beatings). 

A significant case was of extortion involved a 50-year-old businessman, freelancer, who said that in March 2011 the 25-year-old "boss" of the organization due to alleged debt extorted the victim by asking him to buy him a car and the victim, in return, gave up his car. 

In August 2011, by threats to his life and physical integrity of the businessmen, the extortionists were given another car, which they then sold for the amount of 2,500 Euros. 

During the same month the gang members met and forcibly took the 50-year-old businessman to the home of their leader in the area of ​​Oreokastro, Thessaloniki where, after beating him up and wounding him with a sword, they took him back to his own home in the neighborhood of Harilau and denied him all access to a telephone or other means of communication. 

From the home and office of the businessman the perpetrators stole gold jewelry, cash, computers and other electronic devices. 

The extortionists returned early this month and after constant telephone threats, stole from the victim the sum of 250 euros and made him sign a receipt for a payment to the value of 1,500 euros. 

The 50-year-old businessman complained about all this to the police in Thessaloniki, which resulted in an organized police raid and an appointment with the criminals. 

The "boss" and the foreign member of the gang who took the money, in marked bills in advance, were arrested at the designated meeting spot. A little later the third accomplice was also found. 

In addition, searches were carried out in the homes of the detainees where police found and seized a"Zastava" gun, a gas gun, an air rifle, 11 swords, 14 combat and hunting knives, 1 knuckle duster, 2 battle Tridents, shots and different caliber bullets, 4 vehicles, and some of the items stolen from the home and office of the 50-year-old businessman. 

The court case brought against the perpetrators includes allegations of involvement in a criminal group, extortion, kidnapping, robbery and complicity in violating the law on weapons. 

The detainees will be brought before a prosecutor from the District Court in Thessaloniki.