ATHENS – The kidnappers of a Greek shipping tycoon abducted at gunpoint in Athens discussed a ransom of up to 40 million euros in front of their captives, police sources said on Tuesday.
Pericles Panagopoulos, founder of Greek ferry operator Superfast Ferries, and his driver were snatched in broad daylight by three armed men in Athens’ coastal suburb of Kavouri on Monday, in Greece’s third high-profile abduction since June.
The driver, who was left tied to a tree shortly afterwards in the northeast town of Koropi, told police the kidnappers had openly discussed a ransom as the handcuffed captives were driven away inside a van.
‘According to testimony, the kidnappers were talking about 30 or 40 million euros in ransom during the abduction,’ a police official who requested anonymity told Reuters.
A police spokeswoman declined to confirm the information or say if the assailants had contacted the family. State television reported the kidnappers were seeking a 40 million euro ransom.
Police have appealed to the kidnappers to treat the 74-year-old magnate respectfully because of his fragile health.
– Nampa-Reuters
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