Revealing details are coming to light regarding the actions of three men who were arrested in Messinia, in the Gargalianoi area, following an investigation by the Fire Department’s Arson Investigation Division.

The suspects are a 52-year-old village head, his 44-year-old brother, and a 66-year-old firefighter serving a five-year term of service, who are charged, as applicable, with arson, extortion and attempted extortion, as well as repeated acts of vandalism and theft committed in concert.

According to the investigation’s findings, the defendants had taken over the distribution of irrigation water in the area and are alleged to have demanded money from farmers in exchange for supplying water to their crops.

According to the indictment, farmers who refused to pay or did not comply with their demands were subjected to threats and acts of retaliation. The defendants are alleged to have set fire to fields of olive trees and other crops, with some of the fires subsequently spreading to forested areas.

The three arrested individuals are also charged with arson at warehouses and farmhouses, as well as the destruction or theft of agricultural equipment and produce.

The case file pertains to a total of three forest fires and four agricultural fires.

At the same time, authorities are investigating whether the defendants’ alleged actions are also linked to the collection of agricultural subsidies. According to the case file, as cited by SKAI, they allegedly pressured or coerced farmers into transferring or leasing plots of land to them, so that they could then register them in their own names and collect the corresponding financial aid.

The investigation into the case lasted approximately two years and was based on witness testimony, evidence gathered from incidents of arson and other attacks, intelligence reports, and technical surveillance of the suspects. The authorities also conducted lawful surveillance of communications in order to map the activities and contacts of those involved.

After the investigation was completed and the case file was submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, arrest warrants were issued. The three men were arrested during simultaneous operations, while searches were also conducted at their homes.

Another farmer is also charged in the same case and faces misdemeanor charges.

Source: protothema.gr

*File photo