Greece: A taxi driver threatened and blackmailed Israeli tourists – and was arrested

They landed on vacation, and were exposed to blackmail with threats: An Israeli family that came on vacation in Athens about two weeks ago, allegedly fell victim to extortion and robbery by a local taxi driver. The driver, 38 years old, was arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in the Greek capital after he demanded 600 euros (over NIS 2,000) from the family members while threatening violence, and refused to release them from the vehicle and return their luggage until they paid the amount.

Reports in the Greek media indicate that the incident took place in the evening of August 13, after the driver picked up the family members from the international airport in Athens on their way to the hotel in the city center. Upon arrival at the destination, the driver demanded the unusual amount. According to the suspicion, he terrorized the family members and repeatedly threatened them with physical violence, until they, out of real fear for their safety, gave in to his demands and paid him.

Immediately after that, the family members contacted the crime prevention and investigation department in the Syntagma area and filed a complaint with the police. The unit’s investigators were able to verify the suspect’s identity, a case was opened against him on suspicion of robbery and an arrest warrant was issued. Yesterday morning the driver was located and arrested, and he was brought before the prosecution in Athens. The Greek police stated that at the same time another complaint against the same driver from another tourist, from whom he allegedly tried to extort an amount of 800 euros, is being investigated.