Seven held over big extortion ring

Police on Tuesday arrested seven suspected members of an extortion racket believed to have targeted more than 20 nightclubs in Athens, Piraeus and western Attica, occasionally using violence.

The suspects, five Albanians and two Greeks, were detained on Tuesday following a series of police raids while another three suspected accomplices were being sought late last night.

Police believe the head of the racket is a Greek national currently serving time in the high-security Korydallos Prison following his conviction for a key role in a massive criminal racket which was disbanded in 2011.

Two of the Albanian suspects arrested yesterday have also been linked to that ring, according to police sources.