Abducted man dies after abuse
Police in Thessaloniki have charged at least five people in connection with the death of a 45-year-old man believed to have been kidnapped and beaten at the behest of a 70-year-old acquaintance seeking to recoup lost money. The 70-year-old had reported the 45-year-old to police earlier this month, claiming that he had stolen 40,000 euros from him. The elder man then allegedly took matters into his own hands, kidnapping the 45-year-old with the help of another four people and detaining him in Halkidiki, where he was allegedly beaten and coerced to produce 40,000 euros. The 45-year-old was released a few days later after agreeing to visit relatives in Thessaloniki and ask them for the money, police said. He died on the way to his relatives’ apartment with two of his alleged kidnappers. A coroner said the victim’s head and back were covered with wounds from multiple beatings but he did not determine the cause of death. The 45-year-old had suffered from breathing problems, according to police.
