Police conducted coordinated raids on homes in Patras, Athens and Loutraki, east of Athens, this weekend and arrested 16 people who were allegedly involved in protection rings that had blackmailed businessmen in Patras for at least the last decade.

After the unusually large number of arrests – 14 men and two women – police said that they are looking for another 17 people, including an army lieutenant who allegedly trained some of the suspects to use firearms.

The gangs allegedly forced owners of more than 30 bars and nightclubs to pay them protection money. Police said the gangs threw tear gas into the establishments of three businessmen who refused to pay.

It is believed that a 38-year-old man who belonged to one of the gangs was shot dead two years ago because of a dispute between the groups.

Officers said that they were led to the arrests after one of the alleged gang members turned himself in because he had begun to fear for his life.