Police arrest 25 Athens extortion ring suspects in ongoing operation

Police authorities have uncovered cases of attempted homicide and arson linked to members of a large extortion ring operating in the wider Athens area, resulting, so far, in 25 arrests since early Monday. The operation is reported to still be in progress.  

The ring has allegedly been involved in a range of criminal activities, including bombings, arson, assault, attempted murder, and violations of weapons and drug laws.

The alleged mastermind, an inmate at Diavata Prison in the country's north, was recently investigated by the Internal Affairs Service for involvement in drug trafficking at Ioannina Prison, reportedly with the complicity of prison officers, Kathimerini sources informed. 

More recently, the extortion ring appears to have been coordinated by a 20-year-old nephew of this inmate. 

Arrested ring members are also suspected of involvement in an...