Boy, 13, extorted for €370,000 in Volos fireworks scheme; 34-year-old suspect arrested

How the extortion began

The 13-year-old, son of a local businessman with fuel stations and a transport company, had obtained fireworks for his sister's birthday in mid-April. A 15-year-old classmate asked for some, then claimed he had given them to a 34-year-old who was supposedly arrested for possessing them. The classmate and the 34-year-old told the boy that unless he paid money for a lawyer, police would arrest him and his parents.

“In mid-May, my husband asked for the money to deposit it. I counted it and 70,000 euros were missing. I asked him if he had taken it and he said no. On Wednesday, he asked again for the money and there was not a single euro.”

Six weeks of deliveries

The extortion ran from 2 May to 14 June 2026, with demands starting at €500 and €1,000, then rising to €5,000 and more. The boy took cash from his home almost daily and handed it over in a park in Nea Ionia. He transferred a first sum of €70,000, and about two weeks later, another €300,000.

Discovery and investigation

On 17 June, the parents discovered all the money was gone. The boy then confessed, naming those he had paid. The family, who had suffered a burglary the year before (€60,000 from a safe at home), initially feared another theft. They went to Volos security police, who launched an investigation.

“I have been running businesses for 25 years that deal in cash. The money is collected in cash and then deposited at the bank by arrangement. It is absolutely justified.”

Arrest and purchases

The 34-year-old, unemployed and from Xirokambos, was arrested in the early hours of 18 June at his home. He had bought four motorcycles and a used BMW, which helped police identify him. No money was found at his residence. Two minors aged 17 and 15 were also identified; two more are still being sought.

“I do not accept any charge against me. It is all lies. I immediately filed a lawsuit when I learned all this.”

Court proceedings

On 19 June, the suspect faced charges of forming a criminal organization and extortion. After the mother gave testimony describing psychological pressure and threats, the misdemeanour court declared itself incompetent and referred the case to the Three-member Felony Court of Larissa. The 34-year-old was released with restrictive conditions pending trial.

“If it were black money, I wouldn't have reported it. What matters now is the protection of my minor child and my family from the criminal organisation.”