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A former member of a premier guard arrested for racketeering

10 June 2011 / 13:06:08  GRReporter
2864 reads

After an investigation that lasted for months the Greek police managed to find two senior officers, who earned significant amounts by selling security guard to owners of establishments.

According to sources from the Department of Internal Affairs of the Greek police, there are indications that the two policemen and the wife of one of them were providing paid illegal security guard to owners of establishments since May 2010 at least. One of the captured is the police chief Yason Koutsovitis who serves in the training department of the headquarters of the Greek police, and the other – Yannis Kousaridas – is the head of the police station in the coastal suburb of the capital Elliniko since 2005. What is interesting is that the same policeman was a member of the guard of the Prime Minister Costas Simitis from 1996 to 2003.

The "payment rate" for the establishments was in the range between 1000 and 2000 euros. The amounts were received in several installments by the end of the month, while the victims were mostly owners of coastal establishments.
 
The same case file contains accusations for bribery against 12 owners or persons in charge of cafes, restaurants, children playgrounds and night clubs. The establishments have had no legitimate work permits or have had them, but succumbed to police racketeering to avoid checks by the police.

А lower policeman who was carrying money on behalf of one of the captured was charged with involvement in racketeering too. According to the data in the case file, the police chief was arranging the placement of mobile fast food restaurants in front of large commercial sites, or during various events for a fee. Similarly, he was the mediator in hiring private security companies during public events or his "treasurer" for providing private security services.

The other officer did know the location of illegal poker and gaming clubs in different parts of Athens, but was paid well to not perform his duties. He even offered the owner of such club to provide him guards.

The raid was broke when one of the two officers went to one of the coastal establishments to get the pre-agreed amount of one thousand euros. The officers of the Department of Internal Affairs of the Greek police seized him as soon as he got the money.

His two accomplices, the second officer and the wife of the first arrested one were captured later. During the inspection of the house of one of the officers, which was made in the presence of the prosecutor, were found 15.3 grams of hashish.

By decision of the police staff the two officers and the policeman were removed from office and internal investigation will be held against them. They are charged with the following criminal offenses: participation in a criminal group, complicity in receiving a bribe, blackmailing, possession of narcotics and violation of regulations for "legalization of funds from illegal activities."

The Greek police called on the citizens to report all cases of corruption or demanding of bribes by government officials. The message indicates that the call could be anonymous and the identity of the others would remain strictly confidential.

Tags: Crime newsPolice officersRacketeeringSecurity guardGambling clubsRestaurants
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