Messinia community president, brother and firefighter arrested for arson

Three men – a 52‑year‑old community president, his 44‑year‑old brother and a 66‑year‑old firefighter with five years of service – were arrested in Messinia after a two‑year investigation by the Fire Service’s Directorate for Arson Crimes. They are charged with seven intentional arsons (three forest fires and four agricultural fires) that occurred in 2024‑2025 in the Metamorphosis area, as well as extortion, theft and property damage. Prosecutors allege the trio demanded up to €100 from farmers for irrigation water and used the fires to pressure those who refused to pay, a scheme that may also involve illegal OPKEPE agricultural subsidies. The suspects were taken to the court in Kalamata, where they received a deadline to appear before the judge. The investigation collected extensive evidence, including witness statements, digital phone records and other forensic material. As Nicos Kakavas of the Public Servants’ Federation said, “Η Διεύθυνση Αντιμετώπισης Εγκλημάτων Εμπρησμού έσπασε το απόστημα.”