Chania police official sentenced to prison for extortion and bribery

The Crete Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of a 56-year-old former police officer, who served as the president of the Chania Police Officers Association and commander of the BOAK Traffic Department. He was found guilty of professional extortion, bribery, and violence against police officers.

The court sentenced him to 8 years and 6 months in prison without suspension, along with a fine of 21,000 euros. This follows a previous first-instance ruling that had imposed a heavier sentence of 11 years in prison and a 25,000 euro fine.

The case involved an attempt to extort 30,000 euros from a canteen owner in Agioi Apostoloi to prevent her from participating in a municipal tender. Evidence presented included recorded conversations and a sting operation where marked banknotes were placed in a folder at the defendant's home. During the trial, the defendant denied all charges, claiming he was the victim of a conspiracy.