The three arrested accused of a series of arsons in Messinia are expected to be brought before the judicial authorities of Kalamata later today.
Among them are one acting community leaderhis brother and a five-year veteran firefighter, who are allegedly involved in back-to-back arsons, while also facing charges of extortions.
According to the information transmitted, the case in Messinia started about two years ago, when the Department of Arson Crimes of the Fire Department received related complaint.
Months of research and monitoring followed specific personswith authorities gathering evidence that led to the arrests of the three defendants.
Fires in Messinia: Extortion is also being investigated
In addition to the arson cases, the three arrested are reportedly also being checked for extortion of residents of the area.
According to the same information, they demanded sums of money from their fellow villagers and, when they refused to pay the money, they allegedly proceeded to arson of fields and their properties.
The specific allegations are the subject of it case filewhich is still under investigation.
The three accused are being investigated for, among other things seven firesmainly during the years 2024 and 2025, in areas of Metamorphosis of the Municipality of Pylos – Nestoros, Vlachopoulos and Gargaliani.
However, the investigative work of the Fire Department continues, as it is being examined whether they are connected to other fires that have occurred in wider area in recent years. The area has been repeatedly affected by large fires, with the most typical one in 2021 causing widespread destruction, while a new incident occurred just a few days ago in Vlachopoulos.
The attitude of the defendants is awaited
Of particular interest is the procedure that will be followed before the judicial authorities, as it is expected to be known whether the three defendants will plead guilty immediately or they will ask for a deadline.
The authorities are awaiting their explanations for the particulars serious charges that they face, with the case causing a strong sensation, as among the defendants there is also an active firefighter, who, according to the complaints, participated in extinguishing fires at the same time that he is being investigated for arson.
Source: Lifo
