Messinia: Three suspects detained for arson and extortion

Three men—a firefighter with five years of service, a former community president and his brother—were placed in pre‑trial detention after a nine‑hour interrogation in the municipal court of Kalamata. They are charged with seven intentional arsons in agricultural and forested areas of Metamorphosis and Vlahopoulo (municipality of Pylos‑Nestoras) during 2024‑2025, and with extorting local farmers for irrigation water. The suspects deny all accusations, saying the case stems from "personal and political differences with residents of the area" and that the charges are "unfair injustice". The investigation by the Fire Service’s Crime‑Division lasted more than two years and included five digital recordings of phone conversations that reveal an organised ring, threats, theft of equipment and possible links to illegal agricultural subsidies. After the defendants’ statements, the investigating magistrate and prosecutor will decide whether the pre‑trial detention will continue.